Nikon CoolPix L2 L3

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6.
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The Nikon Guide to Digital Photography

with the
.2 m m 1:3.2
-5
Trademark Information
Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. The SD
logo is a trademark of the SD Card Association. Adobe and Acrobat are registered
trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc. PictBridge is a trademark. D-Lighting technology is
provided by Apical Limited. Face-priority AF technology is provided by Identix. All
other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided
with your Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
Symbols and Conventions

To make it easier to find the information you
need, the following symbols and conventions are used:
This icon marks cautions, information that should be read
before use to prevent damage to
the camera.
This icon marks notes, information that should be read before
using the camera.
This icon marks tips, additional
information that may be helpful
when using the camera.
This icon indicates that more
information is available elsewhere
in this manual or in the Quick
Start Guide.
Introduction
Basic Photography and
Playback
Scene Mode
Movies
Viewing Pictures on the
Camera
Connecting to Televisions,
Computers, and Printers
Menus
Basic Camera Setup:
The Setup Menu
Shooting Options:
The Shooting Menu
Memory Cards
Pictures taken with this camera can be stored in
the cameras internal memory or on removable
memory cards. If a memory card is inserted, all
new pictures will be stored on the memory card
and delete, playback, and format operations will
apply only to the pictures on the memory card.
The memory card must be removed before the
internal memory can be formatted or used to
store, delete, or view pictures.
Playback Options:
The Playback Menu
Technical Notes
For Your Safety

To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others,
read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the product will
read them.
The consequences that could result from failure to observe the precautions
listed in this section are indicated by the following symbol:
This icon marks warnings, information that should be read before using this
Nikon product to prevent possible injury.
WARNINGS
Turn off in the event of malfunction
Should you notice smoke or an unusual
smell coming from the camera or AC
adapter, unplug the AC adapter and
remove the batteries immediately, taking
care to avoid burns. Continued operation
could result in injury. After removing or
disconnecting the power source, take the
equipment to a Nikon-authorized service
representative for inspection.
Do not disassemble
Touching the products internal parts
could result in injury. Repairs should be
performed only by qualified technicians.
Should the camera break open as the
result of a fall or other accident, take the
product to a Nikon-authorized service
representative for inspection after
unplugging the product and/or removing
the batteries.
ii
Do not use the camera or AC

adapter in the presence of
flammable gas
Do not use electronic equipment in the
presence of flammable gas, as this could
result in explosion or fire.
Handle the camera strap with
care
Never place the strap around the neck of
an infant or child.
Keep out of reach of children
Particular care should be taken to prevent
infants from putting the batteries or
other small parts into their mouths.
Observe caution when handling batteries
Batteries may leak or explode if improperly handled. Observe the following precautions when handling batteries for use
in this product:
Before replacing the batteries, turn the
product off. If you are using an AC
adapter, be sure it is unplugged.
Use only the batteries listed of this manual (

7). Do not use other types. Do
not mix old and new batteries or batteries of different makes or types.
Charge and use each pair of Nikon
rechargeable Nikon EN-MH1 NiMH batteries together as a set. Do not mix batteries from different pairs.
Insert batteries in the correct orientation.
Do not short or disassemble batteries or
attempt to remove or break the covering.
Do not expose batteries to flame or to
excessive heat.
Do not immerse in or expose to water.
Do not transport or store with metal
objects such as necklaces or hairpins.
Batteries are prone to leakage when
fully discharged. To avoid damage to
the product, be sure to remove the batteries when no charge remains.
Discontinue use immediately should
you notice any change in the batteries,
such as discoloration or deformation.
If liquid from damaged batteries comes
in contact with clothing or skin, rinse
immediately with plenty of water.
Observe the following precaution when handling the

battery charger
If an MH-71 battery charger is provided
with the camera, observe the following
precautions:
Keep dry. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock.
Dust on or near the metal parts of the
plug should be removed with a dry
cloth. Continued use could result in fire.
Do not handle the power cable or go
near the battery charger during thunderstorms. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock.
Do not damage, modify, forcibly tug or
bend the power cable, place it under
heavy objects, or expose it to heat or
flame. Should the insulation be damaged and the wires become exposed,
take it to a Nikon-authorized service
representative for inspection. Failure to
observe these precautions could result
in fire or electric shock.
Do not handle the plug or battery
charger with wet hands. Failure to
observe this precaution could result in
electric shock.
Use appropriate cables
When connecting cables to the input and
output jacks, use only the cables provided
or sold by Nikon for the purpose, to
maintain compliance with product regulations.
iii
Handle moving parts with

care
Be careful that your fingers or other
objects are not pinched by the lens cover
or other moving parts.
CD-ROMs
The CD-ROMs supplied with this device
should not be played back on audio CD
equipment. Playing CD-ROMs on an
audio CD player could cause hearing loss
or damage the equipment.
Observe caution when operating the flash
Using the flash close to your subjects
eyes could cause temporary visual impairment. Particular care should be taken if
photographing infants, when the flash
should be no less than one meter (39in.)
from the subject.
Do not fire the flash while it
is touching a person or object
Such use can result in the person being
burned, and/or their clothes igniting from
the heat of the flash.
Avoid contact with liquid
crystal
Should the monitor break, care should be
taken to avoid injury due to broken glass
and to prevent liquid crystal from the
monitor touching the skin or entering the
eyes or mouth.
iv
Notices
No part of the manuals included with

this product may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any language
in any form, by any means, without
Nikons prior written permission.
Nikon reserves the right to change the
specifications of the hardware and software described in these manuals at any
time and without prior notice.
Nikon will not be held liable for any
damages resulting from the use of this
product.
While every effort has been made to
ensure that the information in these
manuals is accurate and complete, we
would appreciate it were you to bring
any errors or omissions to the attention
of the Nikon representative in your area
(address provided separately).
Notice for Customers in the

U.S.A.
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) Radio Frequency Interference
Statement
This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equip-
ment does cause harmful interference to

radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving
antenna.
Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet
on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/ television technician for help.
COOLPIX L2/L3
CAUTIONS
Modifications
The FCC requires the user to be notified
that any changes or modifications made
to this device that are not expressly
approved by Nikon Corporation may void
the users authority to operate the equipment.
Interface Cables
Use the interface cables sold or provided
by Nikon for your equipment. Using other
interface cables may exceed the limits of
Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Notice for customers in the State of

California
WARNING: Handling the cord on this
product will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to
cause birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
Nikon Inc.,
1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New
York
11747-3064, U.S.A. Tel.: 631-547-4200
Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction

Note that simply being in possession
of material that has been digitally
copied or reproduced by means of a
scanner, digital camera or other
device may be punishable by law.
Notice for Customers in Canada

CAUTION
This class B digital apparatus meets all
requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations.
ATTENTION
Cet appareil numrique de la classe B
respecte toutes les exigences du Rglement sur le matriel brouilleur du Canada.
Symbol for Separate Collection in European Countries

This symbol indicates that this
product is to be collected separately.
The following apply only to
users in European countries:
This product is designated for separate
collection at an appropriate collection
point. Do not dispose of as household
waste.
For more information, contact the
retailer or the local authorities in charge
of waste management.
vi
Items prohibited by law from being

copied or reproduced
Do not copy or reproduce paper
money, coins, securities, government
bonds, or local government bonds,
even if such copies or reproductions are
stamped Sample.
The copying or reproduction of paper
money, coins, or securities which are
circulated in a foreign country is prohibited.
Unless the prior permission of the government has been obtained, the copying or reproduction of unused postage
stamps or post cards issued by the government is prohibited.
The copying or reproduction of stamps
issued by the government and of certified documents stipulated by law is prohibited.
Cautions on certain copies and
reproductions
The government has issued cautions on
copies or reproductions of securities
issued by private companies (shares,
bills, checks, gift certificates, etc.), commuter passes, or coupon tickets, except
when a minimum of necessary copies
are to be provided for business use by a
company. Also, do not copy or reproduce passports issued by the government, licenses issued by public agencies
and private groups, ID cards, and tickets, such as passes and meal coupons.
Comply with copyright notices

The copying or reproduction of copyrighted creative works such as books,
music, paintings, woodcut prints, maps,
drawings, movies, and photographs is
governed by national and international
copyright laws. Do not use this product
for the purpose of making illegal copies
or to infringe copyright laws.
Disposing of Data Storage

Devices
Please note that deleting images or
formatting data storage devices such
as memory cards or built-in camera
memory does not completely erase
the original image data. Deleted files
can sometimes be recovered from
discarded storage devices using commercially available software, potentially resulting in the malicious use of
personal image data. Ensuring the
privacy of such data is the users
responsibility.
Before discarding a data storage
device or transferring ownership to
another person, erase all data using
commercial deletion software, or
format the device and then completely refill it with images containing no private information (for
example, pictures of empty sky). Be
sure to also replace any pictures
selected for the welcome screen
( 64). Care should be taken to
avoid injury or damage to property
when physically destroying data storage devices.
vii
Table of Contents
For Your Safety ................................................................................................... ii
WARNINGS ...................................................................................................................... ii
Notices ............................................................................................................... v
Introduction .......................................................................................... 1
Parts of the Camera ............................................................................................ 2
The Monitor ....................................................................................................... 4
Shooting .......................................................................................................................... 4
Playback ........................................................................................................................... 5
First Steps ........................................................................................................... 6

Inserting Batteries............................................................................................................. 6
Charge the batteries (EN-MH1 batteries only) ................................................................... 6
Insert the batteries ........................................................................................................... 7
Basic Setup....................................................................................................................... 9
Inserting Memory Cards ................................................................................................. 11
Basic Photography and Playback....................................................... 13

(Auto) Mode ............................................................................................... 13
Step1 Select
(auto) Mode .........................................................................................
Step2 Turn the camera on ..............................................................................................
Step3 Frame a picture.....................................................................................................
Step4 Focus and shoot ...................................................................................................
13
13
14
15
Viewing Pictures ............................................................................................... 17

Deleting Unwanted Pictures............................................................................................ 17
Using the Flash ................................................................................................. 18

Taking Pictures with the Self-Timer ................................................................... 20
Macro Close-up Mode ...................................................................................... 22
Scene Mode......................................................................................... 23
Scene Mode ..................................................................................................... 23
Assist Modes .................................................................................................................. 24
Taking Pictures with Face-Priority AF............................................................................... 26
Other Scenes .................................................................................................................. 29
Movies ................................................................................................. 39
Movie Mode ..................................................................................................... 39
Movie Playback ................................................................................................. 40
Movie Options: The Movie Menu ...................................................................... 41
Movie Options............................................................................................................... 41
Auto-focus Mode .......................................................................................................... 42
Viewing Pictures on the Camera ....................................................... 43

Viewing Multiple Pictures: Thumbnail Playback ...............................................................
Deleting Pictures ............................................................................................................
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom .............................................................................
Creating a Cropped Copy...............................................................................................
Enhancing Contrast: D-Lighting ......................................................................................
Voice Memos: Recording and Playback ...........................................................................
44
44
45
45
46
47
Connecting to Televisions, Computers, and Printers ....................... 48

viii
Viewing Pictures on TV ..................................................................................... 48

Viewing Pictures on a Computer ....................................................................... 49
Printing Pictures ................................................................................................ 53
Connecting the Printer ...................................................................................................
Printing Pictures One at a Time .......................................................................................
Printing Multiple Pictures ................................................................................................
Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set ............................................................................
54
55
57
59
Menus .................................................................................................. 60
Basic Camera Setup: The Setup Menu............................................................... 63
Menus...........................................................................................................................
Welcome Screen ...........................................................................................................
Date ..............................................................................................................................
Monitor Settings ...........................................................................................................
Date Imprint ..................................................................................................................
Sound Settings ..............................................................................................................
Blur Warning .................................................................................................................
Auto Off .......................................................................................................................
Format Memory/ Format Card .......................................................................................
Language ......................................................................................................................
Interface........................................................................................................................
Reset All ........................................................................................................................
Battery Type ..................................................................................................................
Firmware Version ..........................................................................................................
64
64
64
66
67
68
69
69
70
70
71
71
71
71
Shooting Options: The Shooting Menu ............................................................. 72

Image Mode..................................................................................................................
White Balance ...............................................................................................................
Exposure Compensation ................................................................................................
Continuous ...................................................................................................................
BSS ...............................................................................................................................
Color Options................................................................................................................
72
73
75
75
76
77
Playback Options: The Playback Menu............................................................... 78

Print Set ........................................................................................................................
Slide Show ....................................................................................................................
Delete ...........................................................................................................................
Protect ..........................................................................................................................
Transfer Marking ...........................................................................................................
Small Pic........................................................................................................................
Copy .............................................................................................................................
78
79
80
80
80
81
82
Technical Notes ................................................................................... 83

Optional Accessories ......................................................................................... 83
Caring for the Camera ...................................................................................... 85
Cleaning ........................................................................................................................ 86
Storage .......................................................................................................................... 87
Error Messages ................................................................................................. 88

Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 91
Appendix .......................................................................................................... 95
Specifications.................................................................................................. 102
Index .............................................................................................................. 105
ix
Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

Nikon COOLPIX cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex
electronic circuitry. Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including battery chargers,
batteries, and AC adapters) certified by Nikon specifically for use with this Nikon digital
camera are engineered and proven to operate within the operational and safety
requirements of this electronic circuitry.
THE USE OF NON-NIKON ELECTRONIC ACCESSORIES COULD DAMAGE THE CAMERA
AND MAY VOID YOUR NIKON WARRANTY.
For more information about Nikon brand accessories, contact a local authorized Nikon dealer.
x
Introduction
Before Taking Important Pictures

Before taking pictures on important occasions (such as at weddings or before taking
the camera on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is functioning normally. Nikon will not be held liable for damages or lost profits that may result from
product malfunction.
Life-Long Learning
As part of Nikons Life-Long Learning commitment to ongoing product support and
education, continually-updated information is available on-line at the following sites:
For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/
For users in Europe and Africa: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support
For users in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East: http://www.nikon-asia.com/
Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers
to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in
your area. See the URL below for contact information:
http://nikonimaging.com/
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon COOLPIX L2/L3 digital camera. This
manual has been written to help you enjoy taking pictures with your Nikon
digital camera. Read this manual thoroughly before use, and keep it where all
those who use the product will read it.
The documentation for this product also includes the manuals listed below.
Please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly to get the most from the
camera.
Quick Start Guide: The Quick Start Guide takes you through the process of
unpacking and setting up your Nikon digital camera, taking your first photographs, and transferring them to your computer.
PictureProject Reference Manual (on CD): The PictureProject Reference
Manual contains information on using the PictureProject software provided
with your camera. For information on viewing the reference manual, see
the Quick Start Guide.
The illustrations in this manual and the Quick Start Guide show the
COOLPIX L3.
Illustrations and on-screen text in this manual and the Quick Start Guide may
differ from the actual display.
Parts of the Camera

Power-on lamp (
Power switch (
9)
9)
Speaker (
40, 47, 68)
Self-timer lamp
(
20)
Built-in
microphone
(
47)
Built-in flash
(
18)
OPTICAL
3X
Z
.3
R
O
M
OO
Eyelet for
camera strap
NI
KK
Introduction
Shutter-release button
(
16)
.3
Battery-chamber cover (
Power cord channel cover for
optional AC adapter (
83)
Attaching the Camera Strap

Attach the strap as shown below.
-1 9
:
.2 m m 1
5
. 2-
Lens
(
14, 85)
Lens cover
closed
7)
Battery
chamber
(
7)
Lens cover
Replacing the connector cover

Monitor
(
4, 13, 17)
Connector
cover
(
48, 49,
54)
Flash lamp (
Multi selector
(
9)
18)
Tripod socket
(
(playback) button
17, 43)
Mode selector (
Memory card slot cover

(
12)
(delete) button (
17, 43, 44)
13, 23, 39)
(scene) mode (
(
Introduction
Zoom button (
14).
MENU button See also:
(thumbnail playback):
(
60)
44
(playback zoom):
45
(help):
62
23)
(auto) mode
13)
(movie) mode
39)
The Multi Selector

Press the multi selector up, down, left, or right to highlight pictures and
menu items, then press the center to select. The buttons on the multi selector
are also used to:
: Display self-timer
menu (
20)
: Display macro closeup mode menu (
22)
: Display flash mode menu

18)
: Perform D-lighting (
: Transfer picture (
46)
49)
The Monitor
The following indicators may appear in the monitor during shooting and
playback (actual display varies with current camera settings):
Shooting
Introduction
AUTO
20
21
1 2 3
7
8
9
10
19
10
18
+1.0
9999
16
9
10
11
12
12
13
17
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
11
Shooting mode ............ 13, 23, 39

Exposure lock ........................... 32
Macro close-up mode............... 22
Zoom indicator................... 14, 22
Focus indicator ......................... 15
Flash mode............................... 18
Camera shake icon................... 16
Internal memory/Memory card
indicator................................... 11
Battery level indicator ............... 13
Sensitivity ................................. 16
Self-timer indicator................... 20
Date not set indicator ........... 88
Time zone indicator.................. 64
15
14
13 Date imprint/Date counter ....... 67

14 Number of exposures
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
remaining .......................... 13, 98

Movie length ..................... 39, 98
Focus area ............................... 15
Exposure compensation ........... 75
Image mode ............................ 72
Color options........................... 77
White balance ......................... 73
Best Shot Selector (BSS) ........... 76
Continuous shooting mode ..... 75
Playback
19
18
100NIKON
9999.JPG
10.10.2006
12:00
OK
3
Introduction
17
16
15
5
6
OK
9999 / 9999
14
13 12 10
OK : START
1 Current folder .......................... 99

2 File number and type................ 99
3 Internal memory/Memory card
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
indicator................................... 11
Battery level indicator ............... 13
D-Lighting guide ...................... 46
Volume indicator.......... 35, 40, 47
Voice memo recording guide.... 47
Voice memo playback guide ..... 47
Current frame number/Total
number of frames/
Movie length............................ 40
9
11
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
7
8
D-Lighting icon ........................ 46
Movie playback indicator ......... 40
Voice memo icon..................... 47
Image mode ............................ 72
Movie indicator........................ 40
Protect icon ............................. 80
Print-order icon........................ 57
Transfer icon...................... 50, 80
Time of recording ...................... 9
Date of recording ...................... 9
First Steps
Inserting Batteries
Introduction
The camera uses two AA batteries. Depending on the country or region of

purchase, the package will include either alkaline batteries or an MH-71 battery charger with rechargeable EN-MH1 batteries.
Charge the batteries (EN-MH1 batteries only)

If the camera came with a battery charger and rechargeable Nikon EN-MH1
NiMH batteries, charge the batteries as described below. If the camera came
with a pair of alkaline batteries, skip to Insert the batteries on the following page.
1
2
Plug the charger in

Connect the power cable to the
charger (1) and then plug it into a
power outlet (2). The CHARGE lamp
will light (3).
Charge the batteries
Insert the batteries as indicated on
the charger. The CHARGE lamp will
start to blink. Charging is complete
when the CHARGE lamp stops
blinking.
A pair of new or fully exhausted
batteries will charge in about two
and a half hours.
3
2
1
Insert the batteries

Open the battery chamber.
Hold the camera upside down to prevent the
batteries from falling out.
Insert the batteries.

Insert the batteries as shown.
Close the battery chamber.
Introduction
Is the Camera Off?

Confirm that the power-on lamp is off before removing batteries.
Batteries
Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages iiiii and 86 of this manual. The camera can be used with AA alkaline (LR6) batteries, Nikon rechargeable ENMH1 NiMH batteries, ZR6 oxyride batteries, and FR6/L91 lithium batteries. Do not mix
old and new batteries or batteries of different makes or types. Batteries with the following defects cannot be used:
Peeling or damaged
insulation
Insulation does not reach

negative terminal
Flat negative terminal
The Battery Type Menu

After replacing the batteries, check that the option selected for Battery Type in the
setup menu matches the type of battery used (
71).
Introduction
Power saving modes and auto power off

This camera features a three-stage power saving function, which works as follows if no
operation is attempted for the times shown while the power is on.
Approx. five seconds: The monitor brightness will be reduced to about 50% normal brightness.
Approx. one minute (default setting): The monitor turns off and the camera
enters standby mode. The power-on lamp blinks. The camera can be reactivated by
pressing the shutter-release button halfway. (The length of time before entering the
standby mode can be changed.)
Approx. three minutes after the camera has entered standby mode: The camera will turn off.
EN-MH1 Batteries
Charge EN-MH1 batteries before first use. Charge and use as a set: do not charge batteries one at a time or mix batteries from different pairs. Note that the batteries may
tend to discharge more quickly when new or after a long period of disuse. The batteries will retain a charge longer once they have been used and recharged several times.
Memory effects that result in reduced battery capacity can be avoided by periodically refreshing the batteries as described in the Appendix (
101).
Basic Setup
A language-selection dialog is displayed the first time the camera is turned
on. Choose a language and set the time and date as described below.
Press the multi selector up or

down.
DATE
Set time and date?
MENU Cancel OK Confirm
Turn the camera on.

The language-selection screen is displayed.
No
Yes
OK Confirm
Highlight the desired display language and press the center of the
multi selector.
The confirmation screen is displayed.
Introduction
The Multi Selector

The multi selector is used in the steps that follow. The buttons needed to perform a
task are shown in white; if more than one button is highlighted, any of the highlighted
buttons can be used. For example, press the multi selector up or down is shown as
illustrated below.
TIME ZONE
OK
HOME TIME ZONE
London, Casablanca
DaylightSaving
Introduction
London, Casablanca
MENU Back OK Confirm
OK Confirm
Highlight Yes and press the center of the multi selector.

The TIME ZONE menu is displayed.*
Press the multi selector right.

The map of world time zones is displayed.
* If daylight saving time is in effect, press

the multi selector down to highlight
DaylightSaving and press the center
of the multi selector.
DATE
M
01
01
2006
15
01
2006
00
00
Press the multi selector left or

right to select the home time
zone you are in and press the center of the multi selector.
The DATE screen is displayed.
10
DATE
00
00
Edit Day (order of Day, Month,

and Year may differ in some
areas) and press the multi selector
right.
DATE
DATE
15
05
2006
15
05
2006
00
00
15
10
Edit Month and press the multi

selector right.
Repeat steps 6 and 7 to edit the

year, hour, and minutes, then
press the multi selector right.
D M Y is highlighted.
9
18
Choose the order in which Day, Month, and Year will be displayed and
press the center of the multi selector.
The setting becomes effective, and the screen of the mode (selected by the
mode selector) is displayed.
Inserting Memory Cards

Pictures are stored in the cameras internal memory (approximately 23MB) or
on removable Secure Digital (SD) memory cards ( 83). Internal memory is
used for recording and deleting pictures only if no memory card is inserted.
To insert a memory card:
Turn the camera off.

Confirm that the power-on lamp is off before
inserting or removing memory cards.
11
Introduction
OK Confirm
Introduction
Insert the memory card.

Open the memory card slot. Slide the memory
card in as shown until it clicks into place. Close
the memory card slot.
Turn the camera on.

If no message is displayed in the monitor, the
camera is ready for use.
If the message shown at right is displayed, the
memory card must be formatted before use.
CARD IS NOT FORMATTED
Note that formatting permanently deletes
all pictures and other data on the memory
Format
card. Be sure to make copies of any pictures
No
you wish to keep before beginning formatting.
OK Confirm
To begin formatting, press the multi selector up
to highlight Format and then press the center of the multi selector. Do
not turn the camera off or remove the batteries or memory card
until formatting is complete.
Removing Memory Cards

Before removing memory cards, turn the camera off and confirm that the power-on
lamp is off. Open the memory card slot cover and press the card in to partially eject the
card. The card can then be removed by hand.
The Write Protect Switch
SD cards are equipped with a write protect
switch. Pictures cannot be recorded or deleted
and the memory card cannot be formatted when
this switch is in the Lock position.
12
Write Protect Switch
Basic Photography and Playback

(Auto) Mode
This section describes how to take pictures in
(auto) mode, an automatic,
point-and-shoot mode recommended for first-time users of digital cameras.
(auto) Mode
Slide the mode selector to
Step1 Select
Step2 Turn the camera on
Turn the camera on.

The power-on lamp will light and the monitor will
turn on. To turn the camera off at any time, press
the power switch again. Do not remove the batteries while the power-on lamp is lit.
Check indicators in the monitor.

Check the battery level and number of exposures remaining.
Display
Battery level
NO ICON
Batteries fully charged.

Low battery; ready spare batteries.
WARNING!!
BATTERY
EXHAUSTED
Batteries exhausted. Replace batteries.
Battery Level
Number of exposures
remaining (
98)
13
Step3 Frame a picture
Ready the camera.

Hold the camera steadily in both
hands, keeping your fingers and
other objects away from the lens,
flash, and microphone.
Frame the picture.

Frame the subject near the center of
the monitor.
Zoom
Use the
button to frame the subject in the monitor. Press
to zoom out,
increasing the area visible in the frame. Press
to zoom in up to 3 so that the subject fills a larger area of the frame. Pressing
for about two seconds at 3 zoom will
trigger digital zoom, allowing the subject to be magnified up to 4 more, for a total of
magnification of 12. Note that unlike optical zoom, digital zoom does not increase
the amount of detail visible in the picture. Instead, details visible at 3 zoom are simply
enlarged, producing a slightly grainy image.
Zoom out
Zoom in
Zoom indicator turns

yellow when digital
zoom is in effect.
14
Step4 Focus and shoot
Take the picture.

Press the shutter release button the rest of the
way down to take the picture. Note that the
flash may fire if the subject is poorly lit.
During Recording
The
or
icon will blink while pictures are recorded. Removing memory cards or
batteries while these icons are blinking could affect pictures or damage the camera or
card.
15
Focus.
Press the shutter-release button halfway. The
camera will focus on the subject in the center
of the focus area ( 4). When the camera is
fully focused on the subject, the focus indicator
(AF ) lights up green. Blinking red indicates
that the camera was unable to focus. Change
the composition and try again.
The Shutter-Release Button Focus Lock

To set focus and exposure, lightly press the shutter-release button about halfway, stopping when you feel resistance. Focus and exposure lock while the shutter-release button is held in this position. To release the shutter and take a picture, press the shutterrelease button down the rest of the way. Use a gentle touch; moving the camera while
pressing the shutter-release button can result in blurred pictures.
Focus
Check focus
indicator
Recompose
picture
Take picture
Auto-focus performs best when there is contrast between the subject and the background and the subject is evenly lit. It does not perform well if the subject is very dark
or moving rapidly, if there are objects of sharply differing brightness in the scene (e.g.,
the sun is behind your subject and their features are in deep shadow), or if there are
several objects at different distances from the camera at the center of the frame (e.g.,
your subject is inside a cage).
When Lighting Is Poor
If lighting is poor and the flash is off, a
icon will be displayed to warn that pictures may be blurred as a result of the
slow shutter speeds. If an ISO icon is displayed, sensitivity has
been raised to compensate for poor lighting and pictures may
be affected by noise in the form of randomly-spaced,
brightly-colored dots. The camera may process pictures to
reduce noise, doubling recording times.
If the warning at right is displayed after a picture is taken, the
picture may be blurred. Select No to exit without recording
the picture.
PICTURE IS BLURRED.
SAVE PICTURE?
No
Yes
16
OK Confirm
Viewing Pictures
10.10.2006
15:30
100NIKON
0005.JPG
OK
5/
Press the
button to display a picture in
the monitor. Use the multi selector to
view additional pictures: press the multi
selector down or right to view pictures in
the order recorded, up or left to view pictures in reverse order. Keep the multi
selector pressed to scroll quickly to the
desired picture. Pictures may be displayed
briefly at low resolution while being read
from memory.
Press the
button again to return to
shooting mode.
Deleting Unwanted Pictures

To delete the picture currently displayed
in the monitor, press the button. A confirmation dialog will be displayed; highlight one of the following options and
press the center of the multi selector:
No: Exit without deleting the picture.
Yes: Delete the picture.
Erase 1 image (s)?
No
Yes
OK Confirm
17
Using the Flash

The flash has a range of 0.33.0m (1ft.9ft. 10in.) when the camera is
zoomed all the way out. The range at maximum zoom is 0.31.75m (1ft.5ft.
9in.). The following flash modes are available:
Mode
AUTO
Description
Auto
Flash fires automatically when lighting is poor.
Auto with red- Reduces red eye in portraits (

eye reduction
19).
Off
Flash will not fire even when lighting is poor.
Fill flash
Flash fires whenever picture is taken. Use to fill-in

(illuminate) shadows and back-lit subjects.
Slow sync
Flash illuminates main subject; slow shutter speeds are

used to capture background at night or under dim light.
Flash
AUTO
OK :Confirm
2
6
Press the flash mode button.
Highlight the desired mode and

press the center of the multi
selector.
The selected flash mode icon
appears at the top of the monitor. If
AUTO is selected, the icon extinguishes automatically after five seconds. The selection made in
(auto) mode is stored in memory
even after the camera has been
turned off.
18
The setting will be canceled if five seconds pass without pressing the center
Red-eye Reduction
The camera uses advanced red-eye reduction. Low-intensity light pulses cause the subjects pupils to contract before the flash fires. If the camera still detects red-eye, it will
process the image to further reduce its effects (In-Camera Red-eye Fix; note that this
may slightly increase the time needed to record the picture). This mode is not recommended where a quick shutter response is required; if the desired results are not
achieved, try again at a different flash setting.
The Flash Lamp

The flash lamp shows flash status when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
On: Flash will fire when picture is taken.
Blinks: Flash charging. Wait a few seconds and
try again.
Off: Flash will not fire when picture is taken.
19
Taking Pictures with the Self-Timer

The camera is equipped with a ten-second timer for self-portraits. When
using the self-timer, mount the camera on a tripod (recommended) or rest it
on a flat, level surface.
10
OFF
Self-timer
OK :Confirm
OFF
ON
Press the self-timer button.
Highlight ON and press the center of the multi selector.

appears.
4
10
9
6
Frame the picture and press and

hold the shutter-release button
halfway.
The focus and exposure are adjusted.
Press the shutter-release button

fully.
The self-timer starts and the shutter
will be released automatically after
about 10 seconds.
20
The setting will be canceled if five seconds pass without pressing the center
Remaining seconds before the shutter is

released are displayed in the monitor.
To stop the timer before a picture is
taken, press the shutter-release button
again.
The self-timer lamp will blink until one second before

the picture is taken, staying lit during the final second
to warn that the shutter is about to be released.
Auto Mode
In addition to the flash, self-timer, and macro close-up options described on pages 18
22,
(auto) mode offers a menu of shooting options controlling such settings as
image size, picture color, and white balance (
7277).
21
Macro Close-up Mode

Macro close-up mode is used for taking shots of objects as close as 10cm
(3.9in.).
Note that flash may be unable to light entire subject at distances of less than
30cm (1ft.); if flash fires, play picture back and check results.
OFF
Macro close-up
OFF
OK :Confirm
ON
2
6
Display options.
Press the
button.
Highlight ON and press the center of the multi selector.

appears.
4
6
Frame picture.
Minimum focus distance varies with
zoom position; if zoom is adjusted
until icon turns green, camera can
focus at distance of 10cm (3.9in.).
22
Focus and shoot.

In macro close-up mode, the camera
focuses continuously, even when the
shutter-release button is not pressed
halfway.
Scene Mode
Scene Mode
Scene mode offers a choice of twelve scene
and four assist settings. Camera settings are
automatically optimized for the selected subject type.
Assist modes offer framing assist options to help compose shots:
Mode
For portraits.
Landscape
For landscapes.
Sports
For moving subjects.
Night Portrait
For portraits taken against a backdrop of night scenery.
Scene Mode
Portrait
Description
The remaining scene modes cover the following subject types:

Party/Indoor
Night Landscape
Copy
Beach/Snow
Close Up
Back Light
Sunset
Museum
Panorama Assist
Dusk/Dawn
Fireworks Show
Voice Recording
Image Mode
Image mode (
72) can be adjusted by selecting
from the scene mode menu.
SCN
IMAGE MODE
MENU Exit OK Confirm ? Help
Flash Mode, Self-Timer, and Macro Close-Up

See the Appendix for information on the settings available in scene mode (
97).
23
Assist Modes
These modes offer a selection of framing assist options that allow you to
compose pictures with the help of framing guides displayed in the monitor.
SCN
PORTRAIT
Scene Mode
Assist modes
Select
mode.
Press the MENU button.

FACE-PRIORITY AF
4
6
Highlight , , , or
and
press the center of the multi
selector.
The framing assist menu is displayed.
Highlight the desired composition type and press the center of

the multi selector.
The framing guide appears.
5
6
Position the subject in the framing guide and take the picture.
24
Portrait Assist
Use for smooth, natural-looking portraits.
FACE-PRIORITY AF
Camera automatically focuses on face of portrait subject

(
26).
PORTRAIT
Camera focuses on subject in center of monitor. No guides are

displayed.
PORTRAIT
CLOSE-UP
Compose shot with subjects face in top half of frame. Camera

focuses on face area in framing guide.
PORTRAIT
COUPLE
Compose shot with two subjects side-by-side. Camera focuses

on subject in framing guide.
PORTRAIT FIG- Compose shot in tall orientation. Camera focuses on subject

URE
in framing guide.
25
Scene Mode
PORTRAIT LEFT Compose shot with subject in left or right half of frame. Camera focuses on subject in framing guide.
PORTRAIT
RIGHT
Taking Pictures with Face-Priority AF
Scene Mode
Highlight
and press center of
multi selector.
icon blinks in monitor.
Frame picture using size of

icon as a guide.
Closest portrait subject is indicated
by double yellow border.*
* If camera detects multiple faces, closest subject will be indicated by double
border, other subjects by single border.
Camera will focus on closest subject. If
camera can no longer detect subject
(for example, because subject has
looked away from camera), borders
will no longer be displayed and
icon
will blink in monitor.
Set focus and exposure.

Double border turns green.
Take the picture.
26
Face-Priority AF
The cameras ability to detect faces depends on a variety of factors, including whether
or not the subject is facing the camera.
The camera may be unable to detect faces that are hidden by sunglasses or other
obstructions or that take up too much or too little of the frame.
If no face is detected when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the camera
will focus on the center of the frame.
The camera will focus continuously until a face is detected.
If the double border flashes yellow when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway,
the camera is unable to focus; release the button and try again.
LANDSCAPE
Scene Mode
Landscape Assist
Use for vivid landscapes or portraits that feature a landmark in the background. Pictures
taken at slow shutter speeds are processed to
reduce noise ( 16).
Camera focuses at infinity; no guides are displayed in monitor.*
SCENIC VIEW
Use to photograph distant skylines. Camera focuses at infinity.*
ARCHITECTURE
Use to photograph buildings. Camera focuses at infinity.*
GROUP RIGHT Compose shots with landmark to left or right of portrait subjects. Camera uses portrait subjects to set focus and exposure.
GROUP LEFT
* Focus indicator (
15) is always displayed in green when shutter-release button is
pressed halfway; note, however, that foreground objects may not always be in
focus.
27
Sports Assist
Capture motion in a series of high-speed
shots. No framing guides are displayed.
Scene Mode
SPORTS
Camera shoots about 1.7 frames per second (fps) while shutter-release button is pressed. Camera focuses continuously
even when shutter-release button is not pressed.
SPORT SPECTATOR
As above, except that camera focuses at about 4.5m/14.8ft.

(6m/19.7ft. at maximum zoom) to infinity for improved shutter
response.
SPORT COMPOSITE
Each time the shutter-release button is

pressed, the camera takes 16 shots in about
two seconds and arranges them in a single
picture 1,600 1,200 pixels in size. Camera
focuses continuously even when shutterrelease button is not pressed.
Night Portrait Assist

Use for a natural balance between the main
subject and background lighting in portraits
shot at night. With the exception of face-priority AF, this mode offers the same assist
options as portrait assist mode. Pictures taken
at slow shutter speeds are processed to
reduce noise ( 16); to prevent blurring,
mount the camera on a tripod or rest it on a flat, stable surface.
28
Other Scenes
To take pictures in other scene modes:
SCN
PORTRAIT
Scene modes
mode.
Press the MENU button.
4
6
Make selection.
Scene Mode
Select
Frame the picture and take the

picture.
The following modes are available:

PARTY/INDOOR
Captures the effects of candlelight and other indoor
background lighting. Camera focuses on subject in center of frame. Hold camera steady to prevent blurring.
BEACH/SNOW
Captures the brightness of such subjects as snowfields,
beaches, or sunlit expanses of water. Camera focuses on
subject in center of frame.
29
SUNSET
Preserves the deep hues seen in sunsets and sunrises.
Camera focuses at infinity.* Hold camera steady to prevent blurring.
DUSK/DAWN
Preserves the colors seen in the weak natural light before
sunrise or after sunset. Camera focuses at infinity.* Use
of a tripod recommended to prevent blurring; pictures
may be processed to reduce noise ( 16).
Scene Mode
NIGHT LANDSCAPE
Slow shutter speeds are used to produce stunning night
landscapes. Camera focuses at infinity.* Use of a tripod
recommended to prevent blurring; pictures may be processed to reduce noise ( 16).
CLOSE UP
Photograph flowers, insects, and other small objects at
close range ( 22). Camera focuses continuously until
shutter-release button is pressed halfway to lock focus.
Hold camera steady to prevent blurring.
MUSEUM
Use indoors where flash photography is prohibited (for
example, in museums and art galleries) or in other settings in which you do not want to use the flash. Camera
focuses on subject in center of frame; BSS ( 76) turns
on automatically. Hold camera steady to prevent blurring.
FIREWORKS SHOW
Slow shutter speeds are used to capture the expanding
burst of light from a firework. Focus is fixed at infinity.*
Use of a tripod recommended to prevent blurring.
30
COPY
Provides clear pictures of text or drawings on a white
board or in print. Camera focuses on subject in center of
frame; use macro close-up ( 22) to focus at short
ranges. Colored text and drawings may not show up
well.
BACK LIGHT
Use when light is coming from behind a portrait subject,
throwing their features into shadow. The flash fires automatically to fill in (illuminate) shadows. Camera
focuses on subject in center of frame.
VOICE RECORDING
Use to record, play back and copy audio only. The internal memory can
hold approx. 50 minutes of voice recording, while a memory card (256MB
or more) can hold up to approx. five hours.
* Focus indicator (
15) is always displayed in green when shutter-release button is
pressed halfway; note, however, that foreground objects may not always be in
focus.
31
Scene Mode
PANORAMA ASSIST
Use when taking a series of pictures that will later be joined side-by-side in
PictureProject to form a panorama ( 32).
Taking Pictures for a Panorama ( 31)

The camera focuses on the subject in the center of the frame. Use a tripod
for better results.
2
5
Scene Mode
Highlight
(Panorama assist)
and press the center of the multi
selector.
Highlight the desired pan direction and press the center of the
multi selector.
The arrow showing the selected
direction turns white.
4
4
Take the first picture.

The first picture is displayed in about
1/3 of the monitor. AE-L icon is displayed to show that white balance
and exposure have been locked at
values for first shot.
32
The direction can be re-selected by

pressing the center of the multi selector
again.
If the first shot is taken without deciding the pan direction, it will be automatically set for the right.
Compose the next shot to overlap

with the previous picture and
take the second picture.
Repeat until the entire series of pictures has been taken.
5
2
End series.
The monitor returns to the screen in step 1.
Making a Voice Recording (
SCN
VOICE RECORDING
31)
VOICE RECORDING
2006. 10. 10 20:18

Max rec time 03:44:41
Highlight (Voice Recording) in

the scene menu.
MENU Back
REC
The monitor will show a icon

and the length of the voice
recording (hr:min.:sec.) that can
be made.
33
Scene Mode
Panorama Assist
Flash mode (
18), self-timer (
20) and macro close-up (
22) cannot be adjusted
after the first picture is taken. Pictures cannot be deleted, or zoom or image mode
(
72) cannot be adjusted until shooting is complete.
Recording indicator
File number
Length of recording
VOICE RECORDING
REC
003 2006. 10. 10 20:18
00:00:04/03:44:37
Index: 01
Date of recording
Time remaining
Index number
Progress indicator
OK
Press the shutter-release button to start voice recording.
Scene Mode
The monitor turns off after five seconds of commencing recording. Pressing the shutter-release button halfway, or pressing any of the buttons will turn on the monitor
again for about five seconds.
To pause recording, press the center of the multi selector. Press again to resume
recording.
Press the shutter-release button to end recording.

Recording will end automatically if the internal memory or memory card
becomes full, or after five hours of recording.
Notes on Voice recording

Do not touch the microphone during voice recording.
Voice recording is not possible if the internal memory/memory card has less than 10
seconds of recording time available, or the battery charge is insufficient.
It is recommended to use the AC adapter EH-65A (optional) for extended recording.
Test recording beforehand, to ensure proper function, is advised.
Copying Voice Recordings to a Computer

Voice recordings cannot be copied to a computer using the bundled software, PictureProject. Set the USB option in the SET-UP menu Interface to Mass Storage (
49)
and copy the files directly from the camera. Once copied to a computer, voice recordings can be played back with a player that supports WAV format files (such as QuickTime). Indexes added during recording work only when playing back on the camera.
Adding an index
An index can be added by pressing the multi selector up,
down, left or right during recording. The camera can locate
the index during playback and begin playback from this
point. The start is assigned an index of one; other indices
are assigned in ascending order, to a maximum of 98. The
current index number is shown in the monitor.
34
VOICE RECORDING
REC
003 2006. 10. 10 20:18
00:00:04/03:44:37
Index: 05
OK
Playing Voice Recordings
VOICE RECORDING
2006. 10. 10 20:18

Max rec time 03:44:41
MENU Back
File number
SELECT SOUND FILE
001 2006. 09. 01 11:11
REC
002 2006. 10. 10 01:58

MENU Copy OK Confirm
Date of recording
Press the
button.
Currently saved voice recordings are
listed.
AUDIO PLAYBACK
Control icons
File number
Playback time
Index number
Progress indicator
004 2006. 10. 21 20:30

00:00:10/00:00:48
Index: 02
OK Confirm
Date of recording
Length of recording
Volume
Index markers
Highlight the desired voice recording and press the center of the multi
selector.
The voice recording playback screen is displayed and playback starts.
Volume can be adjusted with the
button during voice recording playback and the controls of the voice recording playback are displayed at the
top of the monitor; press the multi selector left or right to highlight a control,
and press the center of the multi selector to perform the selected operation.
To
Pause playback
Press
Description
Use multi selector to select
icon, then press
the center of the multi selector to pause playback.
35
Scene Mode
Highlight (Voice Recording) in

the scene menu and press the
center of the multi selector.
The available recording time is displayed.
To
Press
Description
Scene Mode
Resume playback
When playback is paused, use multi selector to

select
icon, then press the center of the
multi selector.
Rewind

icon, then press
and hold the center of the multi selector.
Fast forward

icon, then press
and hold the center of the multi selector.
If playback reaches the end, playback stops
and voice recording list screen appears.
Index return

icon, then press
the center of the multi selector to return to
start of current index.
Index skip

icon, then press
the center of the multi selector to skip to next
index.
Stop playback

icon, then press
the center of the multi selector to return to
voice recording list.
To return to the Voice Recording mode

Press
on the voice recording list screen to return to the Voice Recording mode.
Deleting Voice Recordings
To delete a voice recording, press the button during playback or while the recording
is highlighted in the voice recording list screen. A confirmation dialog will be displayed;
press the multi selector up or down to highlight an option, then press .
Yes: delete recording and return to the voice recording list screen
No: exit to the voice recording list screen without deleting recording
36
Copying Voice Recordings

This option is used to transfer voice recordings from the cameras internal
memory to the memory card, or vice versa.
This option is displayed only when the memory card is inserted.
When copying voice recordings, first perform steps 1 and 2 of Playing Voice
Recordings and switch to voice recording playback mode.
COPY SOUND FILES
MENU Exit OK Confirm
Press the MENU button on the

voice recording list screen.
The voice recording copy screen is
displayed.
Select the copy direction and

press the multi selector right.
: from internal memory to a
memory card
: from a memory card to internal memory
CARD TO CAMERA
Selected files
Copy all files
Select the copy mode and press

the multi selector right.
Selected data copy: Go to step 4.
All data copy: Go to step 6.
SELECT SOUND FILES

001 2006. 09. 01 11:11
002 2006. 10. 10 01:58
003 2006. 10. 10 20:18
004 2006. 10. 21 20:30
005 2006. 11. 03 20:41
Select
Highlight the data you want to

copy and press the multi selector
right.
Repeat this step until all desired data
is selected.
37
Scene Mode
COPY SOUND FILES
SELECT SOUND FILES

001 2006. 09. 01 11:11
002 2006. 10. 10 01:58
003 2006. 10. 10 20:18
004 2006. 10. 21 20:30
005 2006. 11. 03 20:41
MENU Exit OK Confirm Select
Press the center of the multi

selector.
Scene Mode
Selected data will be marked with .

To cancel the selection, highlight the
data again and press the multi selector
right.
CARD TO CAMERA
Selected files will be copied. OK?
No
Yes
Highlight Yes and press the center of the multi selector.

Copying starts. To cancel, highlight
No and press the center of the multi
selector.
Copy
If there is not enough space in the memory or on the memory card to receive the
copy, the message SOUND FILE CANNOT BE SAVED will be displayed. Delete
unwanted pictures or voice recordings, or insert a new memory card (if using a memory card) before trying again.
Copying of voice recordings taken with another make of camera is not guaranteed
by Nikon.
38
Movies
Movie Mode
Follow the steps below to shoot movies with sound recorded via the built-in
microphone. Movies recorded to internal memory at the default setting of
Small Size 320 can be up to 16 seconds long; a 256MB memory card can
hold up to 14 minutes 16 seconds.
Select
mode.
Exposure count display shows
maximum total length of movie
that can be recorded.
Start recording.
Progress bar shows amount of
memory remaining.
0h 0m54s
End recording.
The monitor returns to the screen
in step 1.
0h 0m54s
See Movie Options: The Movie Menu (

and focus options.
41) for information on movie size
Recording Movies
The flash (
18) and self-timer (
20) are not available in movie mode. Macro closeup can be used (
22). Optical zoom cannot be adjusted during recording.
See the Appendix for information on the maximum total length of movie that can be
recorded (
98).
39
Movies
0h 1m22s
Movie Playback
In full-frame playback ( 43), movies
( 39) are indicated by a
icon.
10.10.2006
15:30
100NIKON
0001.M
MOV
OV
OK START 0h0m9s
Movies
To play a movie, display it in full-frame

playback and press the center of the
multi selector. Playback controls appear
at the top of the display; press the multi
selector left or right to highlight a control, then press the center of the multi
selector to perform the selected operation.
Control
0h 0m10s
Volume indicator
Description
Rewind movie while center of multi selector is pressed.
Advance movie while center of multi selector is pressed.
Playback pause.
Advance paused movie one frame.
Rewind paused movie one frame.
Resume playback.
End movie and return to full-frame playback.
Volume is controlled by the zoom button. Press

increase.
40
to lower volume,
to
Movie Options: The Movie Menu

The movie menu contains the options shown below.
To display the movie menu:
MOVIE
SET-UP
Movie options
Auto-focus mode
Select
mode.
Press MENU button.

Movie Options
Movies can be recorded at the following sizes:
Size (pixels)
Frames per
second
TV movie 640
640 480
30
TV movie 640
640 480
15
Small size 320
320 240
30
Small size 320
320 240
15
Smaller size 160
160 120
15
Movies
Option
MOVIE OPTIONS
TV movie 640
TV movie 640
Small size 320
Small size 320
Smaller size 160
41
Auto-focus Mode
Choose how the camera focuses in movie mode.
Option
Single AF
(Default)
Full-time
AF
Description
Camera focuses when shutter-release
button is pressed halfway and locks at
this position during shooting, preventing sound of camera focusing from
interfering with recording.
AUTO-FOCUS MODE
Single AF
Full-time AF
Camera constantly adjusts focus, even

when shutter-release button is not
pressed.
Movies
Movies
See the Appendix for information on movie menu defaults (
95) and on the maximum total length of movie that can be recorded at different settings (
98).
42
Viewing Pictures on the Camera

To view pictures full-frame in the monitor (fullframe playback), press the
button (if the camera is off, pressing the
button for about one
second will turn the camera on in playback mode).
The following operations can be performed:
10.10.2006
15:30
100NIKON
0005.JPG
OK
5/
To
Press
To
Press
MENU
View next picture
17
View playback
menu
78
View previous
picture
17
Record/play voice Shuttermemo

release button
47
Delete picture
17
Still: Enhance
contrast
46
45
Movie: Play
movie
40
View thumbnails
44
Exit to shooting
mode
43
Zoom picture in
Viewing Multiple Pictures: Thumbnail Playback

Pressing the
( ) button in full-frame playback
displays pictures in contact sheets of four or
nine thumbnail images. The following operations
can be performed while thumbnails are displayed:
To
Press
To
Highlight picture
Change number
of pictures displayed
(
(
)/
)
Press
Delete highlighted picture
Exit to full-frame
playback
View playback
menu
MENU
Exit to shooting
mode
78
Deleting Pictures
Pressing the button in full-frame or thumbnail playback displays the dialog shown at
right. Highlight Yes and press the center of the
multi selector to delete the selected picture.
Erase 1 image (s)?
No
Yes
Viewing Pictures in Internal Memory

Pictures in internal memory can only be viewed if no memory card is inserted.
44
OK Confirm
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom

During full-frame playback ( 43), the
( )
button can be used to zoom in on pictures to a
maximum of 10. The following operations can
be performed while pictures are zoomed in:
:SCROLL
SCROLL
To
Press
Zoom in
Zoom out
View other areas of picture
Delete picture
View playback menu
44
MENU
78
Exit to full-frame playback
43
Shutter-release button
Exit to shooting mode
Creating a Cropped Copy

If a
icon is displayed in the monitor during
playback zoom, the portion of the picture currently visible in the monitor can be saved to a
separate file. Pressing the shutter-release button displays the dialog shown at right; highlight Yes and press the center of the multi
selector to create a new picture containing only
the area visible in the monitor.
Save this image

as displayed?
No
Yes
OK Confirm
Depending on the size of the original and the zoom ratio at the time the copy was
created, copies will be
2,816 2,112 (COOLPIX L2 only),
2,592 1,944
(COOLPIX L3 only),
2,048 1,536,
1,600 1,200,
1,280 960,
1,024 768,
640 480,
320 240, or
160 120 pixels in size.
Cropped pictures are stored in JPEG format (compression ratio 1:8) as separate pictures from the original pictures.
Cropped Copies
Cropped copies may not display or transfer correctly when viewed on other models of
Nikon camera. See the Appendix for more information on cropped copies (
99).
45
Create cropped copy (see below)
:ZOOM
ZOOM
Enhancing Contrast: D-Lighting

If a
icon appears on a picture during full-frame playback ( 43), Dlighting can be used to create a copy with enhanced brightness and contrast,
brightening dark and backlit subjects.
10.10.2006
15:30
100NIKON
0005.JPG
D-Lighting
OK
Cancel
OK Confirm
Confirmation dialog is displayed.
5/
Highlight OK and press the center

The enhanced brightness copy is
made.
During playback, copies created with D-lighting

are indicated by a
icon.
10.10.2006
15:30
100NIKON
0005.JPG
5/
D-Lighting
Copies created with D-lighting may not display or transfer correctly when viewed on
other models of Nikon camera. See the Appendix for more information on D-lighting
copies (
99).
46
Voice Memos: Recording and Playback

The built-in microphone ( 2) can be used to
record voice memos for pictures marked with a
icon in full-frame playback ( 43).
10.10.2006
15:30
100NIKON
0005.JPG
OK
5/
Press
Description
shutter-release Record voice memo: A voice memo will be recorded while the
button
shutter-release button is held down. During recording, the REC
icon blinks. Recording ends after about 20 seconds or when the
shutter-release button is released.
Change volume: Zoom buttons control volume during playback.

Press
to lower volume,
to increase.
Delete voice memo: The confirmation screen will be displayed
when
is pressed. Press the multi selector up or down to highlight
No,
, or Yes, then press the center of the multi selector.
No: picture and voice memo will not be deleted
: voice memo only will be deleted

Yes: picture and voice memo will be deleted
Voice Memos
Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording. If a voice memo already exists
for the current picture, it must be deleted before a new voice memo can be recorded.
Voice memos cannot be added to pictures created with other types of camera. Voice
memos recorded using other types of camera cannot be played back on the
COOLPIX L2/L3.
47
shutter-release Play voice memo/End playback: Press the shutter-release button

button
while displaying a picture with a voice memo (marked with
) in
the full-frame to play voice memo.
Playback ends when the voice memo ends or the shutter-release
button is pressed again.
Connecting to Televisions, Computers,

and Printers
In addition to viewing pictures on the camera, you can also:
View pictures on TV and record movies to video (see below)
Copy pictures to a computer for storage and editing (
49)
Print pictures on a home printer (
53) or order prints from photofinisher
Before connecting the camera to another device, it may be necessary to
change the Interface settings in the setup menu ( 63). See Menus
( 60) for more information. To prevent the camera from turning off unexpectedly during connection, use fresh batteries or an optional EH-65A AC
adapter kit.
Viewing Pictures on TV
1
Connecting to Televisions, Computers, and Printers
The Interface>Video mode item in

the setup menu offers a choice of
NTSC and PAL standards for analog
video output ( 71). Select a standard
to match the television.
VIDEO MODE
NTSC
PAL
Turn the camera off and connect the A/V cable.

Connect the black plug to the
camera, the yellow plug to the
video-in jack on the TV, and the
white plug to the audio-in jack.
Tune the television to the video channel.

For details, consult the documentation for the TV.
Press the
button for about one second to turn the camera on.
The camera monitor will remain off and the television will show the
image normally shown in the monitor.
48
Viewing Pictures on a Computer

Before pictures can be transferred (copied) to a computer, PictureProject
must be installed. For more information on installing and using PictureProject, see reference CD and Quick Start Guide. To transfer pictures to a
computer:
Start a computer to which PictureProject has been installed.
Choose an Interface>USB option as

described in Choosing a USB Option
for Connection to a Computer
( 51).
USB
PTP
Mass storage
Turn the camera off and connect the USB cable as shown at
right.
Turn the camera on.
Press the center of the multi

selector to copy all marked pictures to the computer.
49
The following messages will be displayed:

PREPARING TO TRANSFER
TRANSFERRING IMAGES TO
COMPUTER
TRANSFER COMPLETED
The pictures will be displayed in PictureProject when transfer is complete.
Disconnect the camera as described in Disconnecting the Camera ( 52).
Marking Pictures for Transfer

Pictures marked for transfer are shown by a
icon
during playback. By default, all pictures are automatically marked for transfer. Two options control transfer
marking:
Interface>Auto transfer (setup menu): Choose On
to mark all new pictures for transfer (
71).
Transfer marking (playback menu): Change marking for existing pictures (
80).
The PictureProject Transfer Button
To copy both marked and unmarked pictures to the
computer, click the PictureProject Transfer button
instead of pressing the center of the multi selector in
Step 5.
50
10.10.2006
15:30
100NIKON
0005.JPG
OK
5/
Transfer
Cancel
Choosing a USB Option for Connection to a Computer

Consult the following table when choosing a USB option for connection to a computer
(
49). The default option is Mass Storage. For more information on menu operations, see Menus (
60).
Computer operating system
Pictures transferred using:

Camera
(Transfer
button*1
PictureProject
button
Choose Mass storage.*2

Windows XP Home Edition
Windows XP Professional
Windows 2000 Professional
Windows Millennium Edition (Me)
Windows 98 Second Edition (SE)
Mac OS X 10.1.5 or later
Choose PTP.
Choose Mass storage or

PTP.
*1 The camera
(Transfer ) cannot be used to transfer images in the following
cases. Use the Transfer button in PictureProject.
When transferring images from the camera memory and Mass storage is selected
for the USB option.
When the memory card write-protect switch is in the Lock position. Unlock by
sliding the switch to the write position before transferring images.
51
*2 Do not select PTP. If PTP is selected when the camera is connected, wait until the
Windows hardware wizard is displayed, then click Cancel and disconnect the camera. Select Mass storage in the camera USB menu before reconnecting the camera.
Disconnecting the Camera

If PTP is selected for USB, turn the camera off and disconnect the USB cable.
If Mass Storage is selected for USB, remove the camera from the system as described
below before turning the camera off and disconnecting the USB cable.
Windows XP Home Edition/Windows XP Professional:
Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon ( ) in the
taskbar and select Safely remove USB Mass Storage
Device from the menu that appears.
Windows 2000 Professional:
Click the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon ( ) in the
taskbar and select Stop USB Mass Storage Device
from the menu that appears.
Windows Millennium Edition (Me):
Click the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon ( ) in the
taskbar and select Stop USB Disk from the menu that
appears.
Windows 98 Second Edition (SE):
In My Computer, right click on the removable disk corresponding to the camera and select Eject from the
menu that appears.
Macintosh:
Drag the untitled camera volume (NO NAME) into the Trash.
52
Printing Pictures
Users of PictBridge-compatible printers can connect the camera directly to
the printer and print pictures without using a computer.
Take photographs
Use Print set to select
pictures for printing
( 59)
Connect printer (
Print pictures one at a
time ( 55)
54)
Print multiple pictures

( 57)
Print current print

order (DPOF printing;
57)
Disconnect USB cable
53
Other Ways to Print Pictures

Pictures can also be printed by:
Inserting a memory card in the printer: If the printer is equipped with a card slot,
a memory card can be inserted in the printer and pictures printed directly from the
card. If the printer supports DPOF, the camera Print set option can be used to select
pictures for printing (
59). See the printer manual for details.
Taking memory cards to a digital print service: If the service supports DPOF, the
camera Print set option can be used to select pictures for printing (
59).
Transferring pictures to a computer: Once transferred to a computer (
49), pictures can be printed using imaging software. See the application and printer manuals
for details.
Printing the Date of Recording on Pictures

Two options are available for printing the date of recording on pictures: Date imprint
(
67) and Print set>Date (
59).
Date imprint
Print set>Date
Must be set before picture is taken
Set after picture is taken
Date permanently imprinted on picture
Date stored separately
Date appears whenever picture is printed Date only appears when picture is printed
on DPOF-compatible printer
The date only appears once; Print set>Date cannot be used to print two dates on pictures with a date imprint.
Connecting the Printer
Turn the printer on.
Set the Interface>USB option in the

setup menu to PTP ( 71).
See Menus ( 60) for more information on menu operations.
USB
PTP
Mass storage
54
Turn the camera off and connect the USB cable as shown at
right.
Turn the camera on.

A PictBridge start-up screen will be displayed.
The camera will then enter full-frame playback
with the PictBridge logo displayed in the monitor.
PictBridge
OK :
4/
Printing Pictures One at a Time
PRINT MENU
Start print
OK :
Select a desired picture.
Copies
Paper size
OK Confirm
4/
Display print options.
* To choose picture from thumbnail list,

press
( ) and use multi selector to
highlight desired picture, or press
( ) to exit to full-frame playback.
MENU Back OK Start print
55
Press multi selector up or down to highlight option, press center

to select:
Option
Description
Start print
Start printing. To cancel before all copies have been printed,

press center of multi selector. Camera returns to PictBridge
playback display when printing is complete; repeat from Step
1 to print additional pictures.
Copies
Press multi selector up or down to

choose number of copies (up to 9).
Press center of multi selector to
return to previous menu.
COPIES
OK Confirm
Paper size

highlight desired paper size. Press
center of multi selector to return
to previous menu.
PAPER SIZE
Default
3.5" 5"
5" 7"
Postcard
100mm 150mm
OK Confirm
1/2
Paper Size
The camera supports the following paper sizes: Default (the default paper size for the
current printer), 3.5"x5", 5"x7", Postcard, 100mmx150mm, 4"x6", 8"x10", Letter,
A3, and A4. Only sizes supported by the current printer will be displayed.
56
Printing Multiple Pictures

To print multiple pictures, press the MENU button
while the PictBridge playback screen is displayed
( 54). The menu shown at right will be displayed;
press the multi selector up or down to highlight an
option, then press the center to select.
Option
Description
Print selection
Print selected pictures (see below).
Print all images
Print one copy of all images.
DPOF printing

highlight option, press center to
select:
Start print: Print current print
order (
59).
Confirm: View print order. Press
center of multi selector to start
printing, or press MENU to exit.
Cancel: Exit without printing.
Paper size
Choose page size (
PictBridge
Print selection
Print all images
DPOF printing
Paper size
Cancel
OK Confirm
DPOF PRINTING
005 prints
Start print
Confirm
Cancel
OK Confirm
56).
PRINT SELECTION
PRINT SELECTION
1
10. 10. 2006

12 : 00
+
-[
4/
5]
Scroll through pictures.

Current picture shown at center of
display.
10. 10. 2006

12 : 00
+
-[
4/
5]
Select current picture and set

number of prints to 1.
Selected pictures marked by
icon.
57
Printing Selected Pictures

Choosing Print selection displays the menu shown in Step 1.
PRINT SELECTION
005 PRINTS
3
10. 10. 2006
12 : 00
+
-[
4/
5]
Choose number of prints (up to

9).
To deselect picture, press multi selector down when number of prints is
1. Repeat steps 12 to select additional pictures.
MENU Back OK Start print
Confirm selection (to return to

step 1 and change selection, press
MENU button).
Printing
001/005
OK Cancel
Start printing.
PictBridge menu is displayed when printing is complete.*
* Press center of multi selector again to cancel before printing is complete.
58
Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set

The Print set option in the playback menu ( 78) is used to create digital
print orders for printing on DPOF-compatible devices ( 96). Selecting
Print set displays the menu shown in Step 1.
PRINT SET
Print selected
Delete print set
PRINT SELECTION
10. 10. 2006

12 : 00
Highlight Print selected.
+
-[
4/
5]
Display selection dialog.

* To delete current print order, highlight
Delete print set and press center of
multi selector.
Select pictures as described in Steps 14 of Printing Selected Pictures ( 57).
PRINT SELECTION
Done
Date
Info
Press multi selector up or down to highlight option, press center to

select.
Date: Print date of recording on all pictures in print order.

Info: Print shutter speed and aperture on all pictures in print order.
Done: Complete print order and exit.
Print Set
Date and Info are reset each time the menu shown Step 4 is displayed. Info is not
printed when the camera is connected directly to the printer.
59
Menus
Menus are available for shooting, playback, movies, and camera setup. Press
the MENU button to display the menus; press again to return to shooting or
playback.
To display the shooting menu:
Select
mode.
Press MENU button.
SHOOTING MENU 1/2

SET-UP
Image mode
White balance
Exp. +/Continuous
To display the playback menu:
Display picture full

frame ( 43).
Press MENU button.
PLAYBACK MENU 1/2

SET-UP
Print set
Slide show
Delete
Protect
To display the movie menu:
Menus
MOVIE
SET-UP
Movie options
Auto-focus mode
Select
mode.
Press MENU button.

To display the setup menu:

SHOOTING MENU 1/2
SET-UP
Image mode
White balance
Exp. +/Continuous
SHOOTING MENU 1/2

SET-UP
Image mode
White balance
Exp. +/Continuous
Display scene (
23),
shooting, playback,
or movie menu.
Highlight SET-UP and

press center of multi
selector.
60
SET-UP
Shooting menu
Menus
Welcome screen
Date
Monitor settings
MENU Exit OK Confirm ?
1/3
---Help
Use the multi selector to navigate the menus:

Move cursor up
Make selection
Move cursor right
Move cursor left
Move cursor down

Default Settings
See the Appendix for information on menu defaults (
95).
To make a selection from a menu:
SHOOTING MENU 1/2

SET-UP
Image mode
White balance
Exp. +/Continuous
CONTINUOUS
Single
Continuous
Multi-shot 16
Display options and highlight a

desired option.
Menus
Highlight menu item.

E.g. Continuous
SHOOTING MENU 1/2

SET-UP
Image mode
White balance
Exp. +/Continuous
Select the highlighted option.
61
To select multiple pictures in the Print set ( 59), Erase selected images
( 80), Protect ( 80), Transfer marking>Select image(s) ( 80), or
Copy>Selected images ( 82) menus:
PROTECT
10. 10. 2006

12 : 00
4/
ON
OFF
5]
10. 10. 2006

12 : 00
Scroll through pictures and select

a desired picture.
The current picture is shown at the
center of the monitor.
E.g. To protect a picture
4/
ON
OFF
5]
Set ON/OFF (or the number of

copies).
When ON is set, the icon according
to the function being performed
appears in the center of the current
picture.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 to select additional pictures.
Done
Menus
Complete operation.
The setting becomes effective.
Help
For help on the highlighted item, press the
( )
button. Press
to display the options for the highlighted item,
( ) to exit, or MENU to return to
shooting or playback.
62
PROTECT
Basic Camera Setup: The Setup Menu

The setup menu contains the following
options:
Option
1/3
SET-UP
Shooting menu
Menus
-Welcome screen
-Date
-Monitor settings
Description
Choose how menus are displayed.
64
Welcome screen
Select screen displayed when camera is turned

on.
64
Date
Set clock and choose home and destination time

zones.
64
Monitor settings
Adjust monitor brightness and choose display

style.
66
Date imprint
Imprint date or birthday counter on pictures.
67
Sound settings
Adjust sound and volume settings.
68
Blur warning
Turn blur warning on or off.
69
Auto off
Choose when monitor will turn off to save

power.
69
Format memory/
Format card
Format internal memory or memory card.
70
Language
Choose language for camera menus and messages.
70
Interface
Adjust settings for connection to television or

computer.
71
Reset all
Restore camera settings to default values.
71
Battery Type
Choose type of battery inserted in camera.
71
Firmware version
Display camera firmware version.
71
Default Settings
See the Appendix for information on setup menu defaults (
95).
63
Menus
Menus
Choose how menus are displayed.
SET-UP
Shooting menu
Menus
Welcome screen
Date
Monitor settings
MENU Exit OK Confirm ?
1/3
---Help
Text
WELCOME IMAGE SELECT
MENUS
Text
Icons
Icon
Welcome Screen
Choose the welcome screen displayed when the

camera is turned on. To select a picture from internal
memory or the memory card to use as a welcome
screen, choose Select an image (the image used in
the welcome screen is a copy of the selected image
and does not change when the original is deleted or
the memory card is removed).
WELCOME IMAGE SELECT

Disable welcome
Nikon
Animation
Select an image
COOLPIX
Date
Set the camera clock and choose home and travel
destination time zones.
DATE
10.10.2006 15:30
Option
Description
Date
Set camera clock to current date and

time (
9).
Time zone
Choose home ( ) or travel destination

( ) time zone (
100); turn daylight
saving time on or off.
64
Date
Time zone
--
To switch between home (
) and travel destination (
To switch between home ( ) and

travel destination ( ) time zones:
Highlight
or
and press the center of the multi selector.
The clock is set to the time in the selected
time zone. The current selection is indicated by a dot.
) time zones:
TIME ZONE
10.10.2006 15:30
London, Casablanca
DaylightSaving
OK
London, Casablanca
DaylightSaving
The Clock Battery

The clock battery charges when the main battery is installed or an AC adapter is connected, and can provide several days of backup power after about 10 hours of charging.
65
* To change the home or travel destination time zone, highlight

or , then press
the multi selector right. Choose a time zone and daylight saving time as described in
Basic Setup (
9).
Monitor Settings
The following options are available:
Option
Description
Photo info
Choose information displayed in monitor.
Brightness
Choose from five settings for monitor

brightness.
MONITOR SETTINGS
-Photo info
3
Brightness
Photo Info
The following display options are available:
Option
Description
Show info
Indicators are displayed in monitor

(
4).
Display
Shooting mode
Playback mode
10.10.2006
15:30
100NIKON
0005.JPG
OK
Hide info
66
Indicators are not

displayed in monitor.
5/
Date Imprint
Imprint date information on pictures as they are
taken.
Option
Description
Off
Time and date do not appear on

pictures.
Date
Date or date and time are

imprinted on pictures taken while
this option is in effect.
Date and
time
Time stamp shows number of

days between date of shooting
and selected date (see below).
At settings other than Off, the option selected is

indicated by an icon in the monitor during shooting.
6
Date Counter
Pictures taken while this option is in effect are
imprinted with the number of days remaining until or the number of days
elapsed since a specified date. Use it to track the growth of a child or count
down the days until a birthday or wedding.
DATE COUNTER
9
2006.10.19
Number of days
Stored dates
Press multi selector right to view stored dates

Press multi selector right to view display options
Up to three dates can be stored. To set,

highlight, press multi selector to right, and
enter date (
9). To select, highlight and
press center of multi selector.
STORED DATES
OK
2006.10.19
2006.12.24
---------------
67
Date
counter
DATE IMPRINT
Off
Date
Date and time
Date counter
Display
options
Highlight Number of Days, Years and Days, or Yrs, Mnths, Days

and press center of multi selector.
Sample date counter time stamps are shown below.

09/10.10.2006
Future date
(days remaining)
09/10.10.2006
Past date
(days elapsed)
Date Imprint
The date is recorded in the order selected in the DATE menu (
64). Date imprint cannot be used to print date information on existing pictures. See Creating a DPOF Print
Order: Print Set (
59) for a comparison of date imprint and Print set>Date.
Date imprinted at an Image mode setting of TV screen(640) may be difficult to read.
Choose PC screen(1024) or larger when using date imprint.
Sound Settings
Adjust the following sound settings:
Option
Description
Button
sound
When ON is selected, beep will sound

once when operations are completed
successfully, three times when error is
detected.
Shutter
sound
Choose volume of shutter sound.
Start-up
sound
Choose volume of sound that plays

when camera is turned on.
68
SOUND SETTINGS
ON
Button sound
Shutter sound
Start-up sound
Blur Warning
Choose whether or not the blur warning is displayed
( 16). Note that the warning may not always be
displayed ( 93).
BLUR WARNING
Off
On
Auto Off
Option
Description
Auto off
Choose delay before monitor turns off

when no operations are performed.
Sleep Mode
AUTO OFF
Auto off
Sleep Mode
1m
OFF
Select On or Off. If On is selected,

monitor will turn off if no change is
detected in brightness of subject for 30
s (Auto off set to 1 min. or less) or 1
min. (Auto off set to 5 min. or more).
Regardless of the option selected, the monitor will remain on for a minimum
of three minutes when menus are displayed, and for thirty minutes during a
slide show.
69
Choose the time before the monitor turns off automatically to save power ( 8).
Format Memory/
Format Card
If no memory card is inserted, this option is named

Format memory and formats internal memory.
Otherwise it is named Format card and formats the
memory card for use in the camera. Note that formatting permanently deletes all pictures and other
data. Be sure to make copies as required before formatting.
Two format options are available when a memory
card is inserted: Quick format (formats only areas
of the card on which data are stored) and Format
(formats entire card). Format is not available when
batteries are low.
FORMAT MEMORY
WARNING!
All images will be deleted!
No
Format
MEMORY CARD FORMAT

Quick format
Format
Format
Do not turn the camera off or remove the batteries or memory card during formatting.
Use the Format option to format memory cards before first use and reformat them
regularly thereafter. Without regular formatting, performance will drop with use.
Language
Choose a language for camera menus and messages
from the following options:
Deutsch
German
English
English
Espaol
Spanish
Japanese
Franais
French
Simplified
Chinese
Italiano
Italian
Traditional
Chinese
Nederlands
Dutch
Korean
70
Russian
Svenska
Swedish
Interface
Adjust settings for connection to a computer or
video device.
Option
Description
USB
Select USB option for connection to

computer (
51) or printer (
54).
Video mode
Choose from NTSC and PAL (
Auto
transfer
Choose On to mark all new pictures for

transfer to computer (
50).
INTERFACE
USB
Video mode
Auto transfer
48).
Select Reset all to restore camera settings to their

default values ( 95).
RESET ALL
Reset all settings to default
values
No
Reset
Battery Type
To ensure that the camera shows the correct battery
level ( 13), choose a type that matches the batteries currently in use.
Option
Battery Type
Alkaline
Alkaline
COOLPIX (NiMH)
EN-MH1, oxyride
Lithium
Lithium
BATTERY TYPE
Alkaline
COOLPIX(NiMH)
Lithium
Firmware Version
View the current camera firmware version.
COOLPIX L3 Ver.X.X
Back
71
Reset All
Shooting Options: The Shooting Menu

With the exception of Image mode, the following
options are available only in
(auto) mode. See
Menus for information on viewing and using the
shooting menu ( 60).
Option
SHOOTING MENU 1/2

SET-UP
Image mode
White balance
Exp. +/Continuous
Description
SET-UP
Display the setup menu.
Image mode
Choose image size and quality.
63
72
White balance*
Match white balance to the light source.
73
Exposure
compensation
Exposure can be compensated for in the case of a

subject that is bright, dark or with strong contrast.
75
Continuous*
Take pictures one at a time or in a sequence.
75
BSS*
Use BSS to choose the sharpest picture.
76
Color Options*
Control color.
77
* See the Appendix for information on restrictions that may apply to these settings
(
99).
Shooting Menu Settings
See the Appendix for information on shooting menu defaults (
Image Mode
Pictures taken with a digital camera are recorded as
image files. The size of the files, and with it the number of images that can be recorded ( 98), depends
on the size and quality of the images (image mode).
Before shooting, choose an image mode according
to how you plan to use the picture.
Option
High (2816)
(COOLPIX L2)
72
Size (pixels)
95).
IMAGE MODE
High(2592 )
Normal(2592)
Normal(2048)
PC screen(1024)
TV screen(640)
Description
2,816 2,112 Pictures are compressed less than Normal,

producing higher quality images.
Option
Size (pixels)
Description
High (2592)
(COOLPIX L3)
2,592 1,944 Pictures are compressed less than Normal,

producing higher quality images.
Normal (2816)
(COOLPIX L2)
2,816 2,112 Best choice in most situations.
Normal (2592)
(COOLPIX L3)
2,592 1,944 Best choice in most situations.
Normal (2048)
2,048 1,536 Smaller size allows more pictures to be

stored.
PC screen
(1024)
1,024 768
Suited to computer display.
TV screen (640)
640 480
Suited to e-mail or television viewing.
White Balance
Process pictures to produce natural colors under different types of light.
Option
1/2
WHITE BALANCE
Auto
White bal. preset
Daylight
Incandescent
Fluorescent
Description
Auto
White balance automatically adjusted to suit lighting conditions. Best choice in most situations.
White bal.
preset
Neutral-colored object used as reference to set white balance

under unusual lighting conditions (
74).
Daylight
White balance adjusted for direct sunlight.
Incandescent
Use under incandescent lighting.
Fluorescent
Use under most types of fluorescent lighting.
Cloudy
Use when taking pictures under overcast skies.
73
The current setting is shown by an icon in the display.
Option
Description
Flash
Use with the flash.
At settings other than Auto, the current setting is

shown by an icon in the display.
Preset White Balance

Preset white balance is used with mixed lighting or to compensate for light
sources with a strong color cast (for example, to make pictures taken under a
lamp with a red shade look as though they had been taken under white
light).
Place white or gray reference

object under lighting that
will be used during shooting.
1/2
WHITE BALANCE
Auto
White bal. preset
Daylight
Incandescent
Fluorescent
Highlight White bal.preset.
WHITE BAL PRESET
Cancel
Measure
Camera zooms in.
74
WHITE BAL PRESET
Cancel
Measure
Highlight Measure.
1/2
WHITE BALANCE
Auto
White bal. preset
Daylight
Incandescent
Fluorescent
Frame the reference object and press the center of the multi selector.
The new white balance value is set.
* To restore most recent value for preset white balance, highlight Cancel and press
center of multi selector.
Preset White Balance

Preset white balance cannot be measured with the flash.
Exposure Compensation
Exposure compensation allows you to adjust the
exposure setting suggested by the camera from
between 2.0 EV (underexposure) and +2.0 EV
(overexposure) in increments of 1/3 EV.
EXP. +/+0.3
0
-0.3
Continuous
Capture a fleeting expression on a portrait subject,
photograph a subject that is moving unpredictably,
or capture motion in a series of pictures.
CONTINUOUS
Single
Continuous
Multi-shot 16
Option
Description
Single
One shot is taken each time shutter-release button is pressed.
Continuous
While shutter-release button is pressed, camera takes pictures at

up to 1.7 frames per second (fps). COOLPIX L2 records 10 pictures
when image mode is set to
Normal (2816), and COOLPIX L3
records 13 pictures when image mode is set to
Normal (2592).
75
Option
Description
Multi-shot 16 Each time shutter-release button is

pressed, camera takes 16 shots at about 2
frames per second and arrange them in a
single picture (2,816 2,112 (COOLPIX
L2)/2,592 1,944 (COOLPIX L3) image
size) as shown at right.
At settings other than Single, focus, exposure, and

white balance are fixed at the values for the first picture in each series and the current setting is shown
by an icon in the display.
BSS
The best shot selector (BSS) is recommended
when shooting with the flash off or the camera
zoomed in, or in other situations in which inadvertent motion can result in blurred pictures. When BSS
is on, the camera takes up to ten pictures while the
shutter-release button is pressed. The sharpest picture in the series is saved and the others are discarded.
A BSS icon is displayed when BSS is on.
BEST SHOT SELECTOR

Off
On
BSS
BSS may not produce the desired results if the subject moves or the composition is
changed during shooting.
76
Color Options
Make colors more vivid or record pictures in monochrome.
Option
Standard
color
Description
Natural color.
COLOR OPTIONS
Standard color
Vivid color
Black-and-white
Sepia
Cyanotype
Vivid color Vivid, photoprint colors.

Black-and- Take pictures in black-and-white.
white
Sepia
Record pictures in sepia.
Cyanotype Take pictures in blue-tinted monochrome.

The effects of the selected option can be previewed

in the monitor. At settings other than Standard
Color, the current setting is also indicated by an icon
in the display.
77
Playback Options: The Playback Menu

The playback menu contains the following options.
See Menus for information on viewing and using
the playback menu ( 60).
Option
PLAYBACK MENU 1/2

SET-UP
Print set
Slide show
Delete
Protect
Description
SET-UP
Display the setup menu.
Print set
Select pictures for printing.
63
78
Slide show
View pictures in an automatic slide show.
79
Delete
Delete all or selected pictures.
80
Protect
Protect selected pictures from accidental deletion.
80
Transfer
Marking
Change transfer marking for existing pictures.
80
Small pic.
Create a small copy of the current picture.
81
Copy
Copy files between memory card and internal memory.
82
Print Set
Create digital print orders for PictBridge printers
and devices that support DPOF ( 59).
PRINT SET
Print selected
Delete print set
78
Slide Show
Play pictures back in an automated slide show,
with about three seconds between each picture.
SLIDE SHOW
Pause
OK
Start
Loop
SLIDE SHOW
Pause
OK
Start
Loop
Highlight Start.
Begin slide show.
Loop
Select Loop to repeat the slide show until the center of the multi selector is pressed.
Note that the monitor will turn off automatically if no operations are performed for 30
minutes.
To skip to the next picture, press the multi selector to the right, or press the
multi selector to the left to return to the previous picture. Hold the multi
selector down to fast forward or rewind. To pause the slide show, press the
center of the multi selector.
When the slide show ends or is paused, the menu
Pause
shown at right will be displayed. Highlight Restart
and press the center of the multi selector to restart
the show, or select End to end the show and return
to the playback menu.
End
OK :Confirm
Restart
79
Movies
Movies appear in slide shows as still images of the first frame.
Delete
Delete all or selected pictures. Note that pictures
marked with a
icon are protected and cannot be
deleted.
DELETE
Erase selected images
Erase all images
Protect
Protect selected pictures from accidental deletion.
Protected pictures are marked with a
icon (see
right, below) and cannot be deleted using the
button or the Delete option in the playback menu.
Note, however, that formatting will delete protected
files ( 70).
PROTECT
10. 10. 2006

12 : 00
4/
ON
OFF
5]
10.10.2006
15:30
100NIKON
0005.JPG
OK
5/
Transfer Marking
Mark pictures to be transferred automatically to a
personal computer installed with PictureProject
(bundled software) when the camera is connected to
it via the supplied USB cable. In the default setting,
all pictures will be marked.
TRANSFER MARKING
All on
All off
Select image(s)
Option
Description
All on
Mark all images for transfer.
All off
Remove transfer marking from all

images.
10.10.2006
15:30
OK
Select
Mark selected pictures for transfer
Image(s) (
62).
Pictures selected for transfer are marked with a
80
100NIKON
0005.JPG
5/
icon.
Small Pic.
Create a small copy of the current picture. Choose
from the following sizes:
Option
Description
640480
Suited to television playback.
320240
Suited to display on web pages.
160120
Suitable for e-mail.
A confirmation dialog will be displayed. Highlight

Yes and press the center of the multi selector to create a copy at the chosen size.
During playback, small copies are indicated by a
gray border; a , , or
icon is displayed when
copies are viewed full-frame.
SMALL PIC
640480
320240
160240
Save this image

as displayed?
No
Yes
OK Confirm
100N
000
10.10.2006
15:30
Small Picture
Small copies are compressed for reduced file size and may not display or transfer correctly when viewed on other models of Nikon camera. See the Appendix for more
information on small copies (
100).
81
Copy
Copy pictures between internal memory and a memory card.
Option
COPY
Description
Copy pictures from internal memory to
memory card.
Copy pictures from memory card to

internal memory.
Selecting either of the above options displays the

menu shown at right. Choose Selected images to
select the pictures that will be copied ( 62) or All
images to copy all pictures.
CAMERA TO CARD
Selected images
All images
A confirmation dialog will be displayed. Highlight

Yes and press the center of the multi selector to
copy the images.
CAMERA TO CARD
Selected images will be copied.
OK?
No
Yes
Copy
The camera may be unable to copy pictures that were created with another make of
camera or that have been modified on a computer. See pages 99100 for more information on how copies are stored.
82
Technical Notes
Optional Accessories
At the time of writing, the following optional accessories were available for
this camera. Contact your local retailer or Nikon representative for details.
Rechargeable
battery
Nikon EN-MH1 Rechargeable NiMH Batteries (EN-MH1-B2)
Battery
charger
MH-71 battery charger
AC adapter
EH-65A AC adapter kit (connects as shown)
EH-62B AC adapter kit cannot be used.
Approved Memory Cards

The following cards have been tested and approved for use in the
COOLPIX L2/L3:
SanDisk
64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB/256MB*, 512MB*, 1GB*
Toshiba
64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB/128MB*, 256MB*,

512MB*
Panasonic
64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB/256MB*, 512MB*, 1GB*

Technical Notes
* High speed (10MB/s)
Other cards have not been tested. For more details on the above cards,
please contact the manufacturer.
83
Memory Cards
Use only Secure Digital (SD) memory cards.
Format memory cards before first use (
70).
Do not eject the memory card, turn the camera off, remove the batteries, or disconnect the AC adapter during formatting or while data are being written to or deleted
from the card. Failure to observe this precaution could result in loss of data or damage to the camera or card.
Do not disassemble or modify.
Do not drop, bend, or expose to water or strong physical shocks.
Do not touch the metal terminals with your fingers or metal objects.
Do not affix labels or stickers to the memory card.
Do not leave in direct sunlight, closed vehicles, or areas exposed to high temperatures.
Do not expose to high levels of humidity or to corrosive gas.
Technical Notes
84
Caring for the Camera

To ensure continued enjoyment of this Nikon product, observe the following
precautions when storing or using the device.
Handle the lens and all moving parts with care
Do not apply force to the lens, monitor, memory card slot, or battery-chamber and lens
covers. These parts are easily damaged. Force applied to the lens cover could cause
malfunction or damage the lens. Should the monitor break, care should be taken to
avoid injury due to broken glass and to prevent the liquid crystal from the display
touching the skin or entering the eyes or mouth.
Do not point the lens at strong light sources for extended periods
Avoid pointing the lens at the sun or other strong light sources for extended periods
when using or storing the camera. Intense light may cause deterioration in the CCD
image sensor, producing a white blur effect in photographs.
Turn the product off before removing or disconnecting the power
source
Do not unplug the product or remove the batteries while the product is on, or while
images are being recorded or deleted. Forcibly cutting power in these circumstances
could result in loss of data or in damage to product memory or internal circuitry. To
prevent an accidental interruption of power, avoid carrying the product from one place
to another while an AC adapter is connected.
Keep dry
The device will be damaged if immersed in water or subjected to high levels of moisture.
Do not drop
The product may malfunction if subjected to strong shocks or vibration.
Avoid sudden changes in temperature

Sudden changes in temperature, such as occur when entering or leaving a heated
building on a cold day, can cause condensation inside the device. To prevent condensation, place the device in a carrying case or a plastic bag before exposing it to sudden
changes in temperature.
85
Technical Notes
Keep away from strong magnetic fields

Do not use or store this device in the vicinity of equipment that generates strong electromagnetic radiation or magnetic fields. Strong static charges or the magnetic fields
produced by equipment such as radio transmitters could interfere with the monitor,
damage data stored on the memory card, or affect the products internal circuitry.
Batteries
Check the battery level when taking the camera out and replace the batteries if necessary (
13). If possible, carry spare batteries when taking pictures on important
occasions.
Battery capacity tends to decrease on cold days. Be sure that the batteries are fresh
before heading outside to take pictures in cold weather. Keep spare batteries in a
warm place and exchange as necessary. Once warmed, a cold battery may recover
some of its charge.
Dirt on the battery terminals can prevent the camera from functioning.
Used batteries are a valuable resource. Please recycle used batteries in accordance
with local regulations.
Cleaning
Lens
Avoid touching glass parts with your fingers. Remove dust or lint with
a blower (typically a small device with a rubber bulb attached to one
end that is pumped to produce a stream of air out the other). To
remove fingerprints or other stains that cannot be removed with a
blower, wipe the lens with a soft cloth, using a spiral motion that starts
in the center of the lens and works out to the edges. If this fails, clean
the lens using a cloth lightly dampened with commercial lens cleaner.
Monitor
Remove dust or lint with a blower. To remove fingerprints and other

stains, clean the monitor with a soft, dry cloth, being careful not to
apply pressure.
Body
Use a blower to remove dust, dirt, or sand then wipe gently with a
soft, dry cloth. After using the camera at the beach or seaside, wipe off
any sand or salt with a dry cloth lightly dampened with fresh water,
then dry thoroughly. Note that foreign matter inside the camera could
cause damage not covered under warranty.
Technical Notes
Do not use alcohol, thinner, or other volatile chemicals.
86
Storage
Turn the camera off when not in use. Check that the power-on lamp is off
before putting the camera away and remove the batteries if the camera will
not be used for an extended period. Do not store the camera with naptha or
camphor moth balls or in locations that:
are next to equipment that produces strong electromagnetic fields, such as
televisions or radios
are exposed to temperatures below 10C (14F) or above 50C (122F)
are poorly ventilated or subject to humidities of over 60%
To prevent mold or mildew, take the camera out of storage at least once a
month. Turn the camera on and release the shutter a few times before putting the camera away again.
Notes on the Monitor

The monitor may contain a few pixels that are always lit or that do not light. This is a
characteristic common to all TFT LCD displays, and does not indicate a malfunction.
Images recorded using the product will not be affected.
When you frame bright subjects, vertical comet-like streaks that whiten toward
either end may appear in the display. This phenomenon, known as smear, does
not appear in the final photograph and does not indicate a malfunction. Some smear
may appear in movies.
Images in the monitor may be difficult to see in a bright light.
The monitor is lit by an LED backlight. Should the monitor begin to dim or flicker,
contact your Nikon service representative.
87
Technical Notes
Error Messages
The following table lists the error messages and other warnings that appear
in the monitor and how to deal with them.
Display
(blinks)
WARNING!!
BATTERY
EXHAUSTED
Problem
Solution
Clock not set.
Set clock.
Batteries running low.
Ready spare batteries.
Batteries exhausted.
Replace batteries.
6, 71
AF ( blinks red) Camera cannot focus.
64
Recompose picture.
15
Slow shutter speed. Pictures may be blurred.
Use flash, or steady camera

using tripod, by placing
camera on level surface, or
by holding camera in both
hands with elbows against
torso.
16, 18
Camera cannot perform

other operations until
recording is complete.
Message clears from display automatically when

recording is complete.
MEMORY CARD IS Write-protect switch is in

WRITE PROTECTED Lock position.
Slide write-protect to
write position.
12
THIS CARD CANNOT BE USED
(blinks)
WARNING!!
PLEASE WAIT FOR
CAMERA TO FINISH RECORDING
Technical Notes
WARNING!!
THIS CARD CANNOT BE READ
Error accessing memory

card.
83
Use approved card.
Check that connectors are
clean.
Confirm that memory
11
card is correctly inserted.
Highlight Format and press

CARD IS NOT FOR- Memory card has not
to format card, or turn
MATTED
been formatted for use in
camera off and replace
camera.
card.
Format
No
88
11, 70
Display
Problem
Solution
IMAGE CANNOT
BE SAVED
or
Error occurred while

recording picture.
Format internal memory or

memory card.
70
Camera has run out of

file numbers.
Insert new memory card.

Format internal memory
or memory card.
11
70
Cannot create cropped,

D-lighting, or small copy.
Select picture that supports

crop, D-lighting, or small
picture.
100
Picture cannot be used

for welcome screen.
Choose picture 640480

pixels or larger.
Cannot copy picture.
Delete pictures from destination.
80
NO SOUND FILE
Press
to change to the
No voice recording data
in the internal memory or voice recording mode.
memory card.
33
CANNOT RECORD
MOVIE
Time out error while

recording movie.
Choose memory card with

faster write speed.
83
OUT OF MEMORY
or
Memory card is full.
CARD CONTAINS
NO IMAGES
No pictures available for

playback.
Choose smaller image

size.
Delete pictures.
Insert new memory card.
Remove memory card and
use internal memory.
72
80
11
11
FILE CONTAINS NO File not created with

IMAGE DATA
COOLPIX L2/L3.
View file on computer or

other device.
ALL IMAGES ARE

HIDDEN
No pictures available for

display in welcome
screen or slide show.
THIS IMAGE CANNOT BE DELETED
Picture is protected.
Remove protection.
80
Technical Notes
89
Display
Problem
Solution
NEW CITY IS IN
THE CURRENT
TIME ZONE
Destination in same time

zone as home.
No need to change time

zones if destination is in
same time zone as home.
64
LENS ERROR
Lens error.
Turn camera off and then

on again. If error persists,
contact retailer or Nikon
representative.
13
COMMUNICATIONS ERROR
USB cable disconnected

during transfer or printing.
If PictureProject displays
error, click OK to exit.
Resume operation after
turning camera off and
reconnecting cable.
49
USB option incorrect.
Choose correct USB option. 51
PictureProject did not

start.
See the PictureProject refer-

ence manual (on CD) for
more information.
NO IMAGES ARE
MARKED FOR
TRANSFER
No pictures selected for

transfer.
Select pictures for transfer

and try again.
80
TRANSFER ERROR
Transfer error.
Check battery level.

Check that USB cable is
connected.
13
49
Technical Notes
SYSTEM ERROR
Error has occurred in

cameras internal circuitry.
6, 13
Turn camera off, remove
and reinsert batteries, and
turn camera on. If error persists, contact retailer or
Nikon representative.
PRINTER ERROR
CHECK PRINTER
STATUS
Printer error.
Check printer. To resume,

highlight Resume (if available) and press .
90
Troubleshooting
If the camera fails to function as expected, check the list of common problems below before consulting your retailer or Nikon representative. Refer to
the page numbers in the right-most column for more information.
Problem
Cause/Solution
Camera turns off

without warning
Monitor is blank
Batteries are low.

Batteries are cold.
13
86
Camera is off.
Batteries are exhausted.
Standby mode: press shutter-release
button halfway.
Flash lamp blinks: wait until flash has
charged.
USB cable is connected.
A/V cable is connected.
13
13
8, 69
No indicators appear in monitor
Hide info is selected for Photo info.

Select Show info.
Monitor is hard to read
Adjust monitor brightness.

Monitor is dirty: clean monitor.
18
49, 54
48
66
66
86
64
Check camera clock regularly against
more accurate timepieces and reset as
required. Pictures recorded before clock
has been set will have time stamp of
00.00.0000 00:00; movies will be
dated 01.01.2005 00:00.
Camera settings reset
Clock battery exhausted: recharge clock 65

battery.
No picture taken when shutterrelease button is pressed
Camera is in playback mode: press

button.
Menus are displayed: press MENU
button.
Flash lamp blinks: flash is charging.
Technical Notes
Camera clock is not correct
43
60
13
18
91
Problem
Cause/Solution
Camera cannot focus using autofocus
Pictures are blurred
Pictures are too dark

(underexposed)
Randomly-spaced bright pixels

(noise) appear in image
Subject is low in contrast, dominated 15

by repeating geometric patterns, covers too small an area of the frame, or
contains many fine details, objects of
sharply differing brightness, or objects
at different distances from the camera. Use focus lock to focus on
another subject at same distance.
Focus error. Turn camera off and then 13
on again.
Use flash.
Use BSS.
Use tripod and self-timer.
18
76
20
Flash is off.
Flash window is blocked.
Subject is outside range of flash.
Exposure compensation is too low.
Subject is backlit: select
(scene
mode) or use fill flash.
18
14
18
75
18, 31
Shutter speed too slow. Noise can be

reduced by:
Using flash
Choosing
, , , , , , ,
, or
in scene mode
18
23
Technical Notes
Pictures are smeared
Lens is dirty. Clean lens.
86
Colors are unnatural
White balance does not match light

source.
73
Flash does not fire
Flash is off. Note that flash turns off

automatically in
mode and some
scene modes or when option other
than Single is selected for Continuous
or BSS is on.
18,
75, 97
Bright specks in pictures taken

with flash
Flash is reflecting from particles in air.

Turn flash off.
18
92
Problem
Cause/Solution
Blur warning is not displayed
Blur warning is not displayed in selftimer mode or when , , , or

is selected in scene mode, option other
than Single is selected for Continuous, or BSS is on.
20,
28,
31,
75, 76
No sound when shutter is released Off selected for Sound settings>Shutter sound.
68
Optical zoom cannot be used
Optical zoom cannot be used while

shooting movies.
39
Digital zoom cannot be used
Digital zoom is not available in framing 23,

assist modes or when option other than 39, 75
Single is selected for Continuous.
Image mode not available
Image mode cannot be adjusted when 28, 75

Multi-shot 16 is selected for Continuous or Sports composite is selected
in scene mode.
Camera clock has not been set.
64
Date not appearing on pictures
Date does not appear on movies or on

pictures taken using panorama assist.
32, 40
File cannot be played back
File has been overwritten or renamed

by computer or other make of camera.
Cannot zoom in on picture
Playback zoom cannot be used with

movies, small pictures, or pictures that
have been cropped to below 320 240.
Cannot record voice memo
Voice memos cannot be appended to

movies.
Cannot use crop, D-lighting, or

small picture options
These options cannot be used with

movies and may not be available with
pictures created with other cameras.
Select picture that supports crop, Dlighting, or small picture.
100
Cannot mark pictures for transfer
No more than 999 pictures can be

marked for transfer. Use PictureProject
Transfer button to transfer pictures.
50
Transfer marking does not appear
Pictures were marked for transfer using

another model of camera. Mark pictures for transfer using COOLPIX L2/L3.
Technical Notes
Date imprint not available
93
Problem
Cause/Solution
PictureProject does not start when

camera is connected
Camera is off.
USB cable is not correctly connected.
Appropriate USB option is not
selected.
Camera is not registered in Device
Manager (Windows only).
See the PictureProject reference manual (on CD) for further information.
13
13
49
51
Pictures not displayed on television Choose correct video mode.
48
Format memory > Format

option not available
13, 70
Batteries are low.
Electronically Controlled Cameras

In extremely rare instances, unusual characters may appear in the monitor and the
camera may stop functioning. In most cases, this phenomenon is caused by a strong
external static charge. Turn the camera off, remove and replace the batteries, and then
turn the camera on again. In the event of continued malfunction, contact your retailer
or Nikon representative. Note that disconnecting the power source as described above
may result in the loss of any data not recorded to internal memory or the memory card
at the time the problem occurred. Data already recorded will not be affected.
Technical Notes
94
Appendix
Defaults (
42, 61, 63, 72)
Choosing Reset for Reset all restores the following default settings:
Option
Default
mode
Option
Default
Scene mode (
Flash mode (
18)
Self timer (
20)
Macro close-up
(
22)
23)
Auto
Portrait assist (
Off
Landscape assist
(
27)
Off
Sports assist (
Setup menu
PORTRAIT
25)
28)
Night portrait assist

(
28)
Welcome screen
(
64)
Animation
Shooting menu
Photo info (
66)
Show info
Image mode (
Brightness (
66)
Date imprint (
Button sound (
67)
Off
68) On
72)
White balance
(
73)
Normal (2816)
(COOLPIX L2)/
Normal (2592)
(COOLPIX L3)
Auto
Exposure compensa- 0
tion (
75)
Shutter sound
(
68)
Normal
Continuous (
Start-up sound
(
68)
Normal
BSS (
On
Color Options
(
77)
1 min.
Movie menu
Off
Movie options
(
41)
Small size 320
Auto-focus mode
(
42)
Single AF
Auto off (
69)
Sleep Mode (
Auto transfer (
Menus (
69)
64)
69)
71) On
Text
76)
Single
Off
Standard color
PictBridge
Paper size (
56)
Default
95
Technical Notes
Blur warning (
75)
Choosing Reset also clears the current file number (

99) from memory. Numbering
will continue from the lowest number available (to reset file numbering to 0001, delete
all pictures before selecting Reset). All other settings are unaffected, including Date
(
64), Date counter (
67), Language (
70), USB (
71), Video mode
(
71), and Battery Type (
71).
Supported Standards
DCF: Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF) is standard widely used in the digital
camera industry to ensure compatibility among different makes of camera.
DPOF: Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) is an industry-wide standard that allows pictures to be printed from print orders stored on the memory card.
Exif version 2.2: This camera supports Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras) version 2.2, a standard that allows information stored with photographs to be used for optimal color reproduction when images are output on Exifcompliant printers.
PictBridge: A standard developed by in cooperation with the digital camera and
printer industries, allowing photographs to be output directly to a printer without
connecting the camera to a computer.
Technical Notes
96
Scene Mode Settings (

23)
The following table lists the default flash mode, self-timer, and macro close-up settings
for each scene. These settings are restored when the camera is turned off,
(auto) or
(movie) mode is selected, pictures are played back, or Reset is selected for Reset
all in the setup menu. Settings in parentheses can be changed.
Mode
Flash mode
( 18)
Self-timer
( 20)
Portrait
(OFF)
OFF
AUTO)*
(OFF)
OFF
Landscape
/(
Macro close-up
( 22)
Sports
OFF
OFF
Night portrait
(OFF)
OFF
Party/Indoor
(OFF)
OFF
Beach/Snow
AUTO)
(OFF)
OFF
Sunset
(OFF)
OFF
Dusk/Dawn
(OFF)
OFF
(OFF)
OFF
(OFF)
ON
Museum
(OFF)
(OFF)
Fireworks show
OFF
OFF
(OFF)
(OFF)
Back light
(OFF)
OFF
Panorama assist
OFF
OFF
Night landscape
Close up
Copy
AUTO)
* Default for GROUP RIGHT and GROUP LEFT is

selected.
AUTO. Other modes can be
Technical Notes
97
Image Mode (
72) and Movie Options (
41)
The following table lists the number of pictures or maximum total movie length that
can be stored in internal memory and on a 256MB memory card, together with the
size of still pictures.
Image mode/
Movie Options
Technical Notes
Internal memory (23MB)
256MB memory Print size

card
(printed at
300dpi)
(cm/in.)
High (2816)
(COOLPIX L2)
83
2418 / 97
High (2592)
(COOLPIX L3)
98
2216.5 / 86
Normal (2816)
(COOLPIX L2)
16
165
2418 / 97
Normal (2592)
(COOLPIX L3)
18
192
2216.5 / 86
Normal (2048)
29
302
1713 / 75
PC screen
(1024)
99
1028
97 / 32
TV screen
(640)
213
2203
54 / 21
TV movie
640
21s
3min. 39s
TV movie 640
42s
7min. 15s
Small size
320
42s
7min. 15s
Small size 320
1min. 22s
14min. 16s
Smaller size
160
4min. 33s
47min. 8s
* All figures are approximate. Maximum total movie length and number of pictures
that can be stored varies with make of memory card and, in the case of JPEG
images, with the type of scene recorded. If memory remains for more than 9999 pictures, exposure count display will show 9999.
98
Restrictions on Camera Settings (

72)
Restrictions apply to the following settings in
mode:
Flash mode
Flash turns off at Continuous settings other than Single or

when BSS is on. Original mode is restored when Single is
selected or BSS is turned off.
Self timer
If self-timer is on, only one shot will be taken when shutter is

released, regardless of settings chosen for Continuous and
BSS. Original Continuous and BSS settings are restored when
picture is taken or self-timer is turned off.
Continuous
Selecting Continuous or Multi-shot 16 turns BSS off. Original

BSS setting is not restored when Single is selected.
BSS
Continuous is set to Single when BSS is on. Original setting is

not restored when BSS is turned off.
White balance
White balance is set to Auto and cannot be adjusted when

Black-and-white, Sepia, or Cyanotype is selected for Color
Options. Original white balance is restored when Standard
color or Vivid color is selected.
Image File and Folder Names

Pictures, movies, voice recording and voice memos are assigned file names with three
parts: a four letter identifier, a four-digit file number assigned automatically by the
camera in ascending order, and a three-letter extension (e.g., DSCN0001.JPG).
Identitier
Extension
Still picture
DSCN
.JPG
Movie
DSCN
.MOV
Voice recording/Voice memo
DSCN
.WAV
Copies
Identitier
Extension
Cropped copy
RSCN
.JPG
Small copy
SSCN
.JPG
D-lighting copy
FSCN
.JPG
Voice memo
Same as picture
.WAV
Technical Notes
Originals
Pictures are stored in folders named with a three-digit folder number followed by a
five-character identifier: P_ plus a three-digit sequence number for pictures taken
using panorama assist (e.g, 101P_001;
31) and NIKON for all other pictures
(e.g, 100NIKON). Folders can hold up to 200 pictures; if a picture is taken when the
current folder contains 200 pictures, a new folder will be created by adding one to the
99
current folder number. If a picture is taken when the current folder is numbered 999
and contains 200 pictures or a picture numbered 9999, no further pictures can be
taken until the medium is formatted (
70) or a new memory card inserted.
Files copied using Copy>Selected images are copied to the current folder, where
they are assigned new file numbers in ascending order starting from the largest file
number in memory. Copy>All images copies all folders from the source device; file
names do not change but new folder numbers are assigned in ascending order starting
from the largest folder number on the destination device (
82).
Copies (
45, 46, 81, 82)
Copies created using crop (
45), D-lighting (
46), and small picture (P. 81) have
the same transfer marking as the original but are not marked for printing or protection. Copies created using Copy (
82) have the same protection marking as the
original but are not marked for printing or transfer. The crop and small picture options
cannot be used with copies created with crop or small picture; D-lighting is not available with copies created with D-lighting.
Time Zones (
9, 64)
The camera supports the time zones listed below. Increments of less than one hour are
not supported; when travelling to or from destinations at half- or quarter-hour increments from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), such as Afghanistan, Central Australia,
India, Iran, Nepal, or Newfoundland, set the camera clock to local time (
9, 64).
GMT +/
Technical Notes
Location
GMT +/
11
Midway, Samoa
+1
Madrid, Paris, Berlin
10
Hawaii, Tahiti
+2
Athens, Helsinki
Alaska, Anchorage
+3
Moscow, Nairobi
PST (PDT): Los Angeles,

Seattle, Vancouver
+4
Abu Dhabi, Dubai
MST (MDT): Denver, Phoenix, La Paz
+5
Islamabad, Karachi
CST (CDT): Chicago, Houston, Mexico City
+6
Colombo, Dhaka
EST (EDT): New York, Toronto, Lima
+7
Bangkok, Jakarta
Caracas, Manaus
+8
Beijing, Hong Kong (HK),

Singapore
Buenos Aires, So Paulo
+9
Tokyo, Seoul
100
Location
GMT +/
Location
GMT +/
Location
Fernando de Noronha
+10
Sydney, Guam
Azores
+11
New Caledonia
London, Casablanca
+12
Auckland, Fiji
Refreshing Nikon EN-MH1 Rechargeable NiMH Batteries (

6, 83)
An MH-71 battery charger and rechargeable EN-MH1 NiMH batteries are provided
with the camera in some regions and are also available as options (
83). NiMH batteries may suffer a temporary drop in capacity if charged after long periods of disuse or
before being fully discharged. They will return to normal after being refreshed a few
times as described below.
1 Insert both batteries into the charger (
6).
2 Press the REFRESH button until the REFRESH lamp lights and close the lid. The
REFRESH lamp turns off when the batteries are fully discharged. The batteries can
now be removed or left in the MH-71 to recharge (
6). Unplug the charger after
removing the batteries.
To resume charging before the batteries are fully discharged, or to refresh the batteries once charging has begun, press the REFRESH button for about two seconds.
Batteries that retain a charge for only short periods after being refreshed have reached
the end of their working life and can no longer be used.
Technical Notes
101
Specifications
Nikon COOLPIX L2/L3 Digital Camera
Type
Compact digital camera
Effective pixels
6.0 million (COOLPIX L2)/5.1 million (COOLPIX L3)
CCD
1/2.5-in. CCD; total pixels: 6.18 million (COOLPIX L2)/5.25

million (COOLPIX L3)
Image size
(pixels)
Lens
COOLPIX L2: 2,816 2,112 (2816*, 2816)

COOLPIX L3: 2,592 1,944 (2592*, 2592)
2,048 1,536 (2048)
1,024 768 (1024)
640 480 (640)
Zoom-Nikkor with 3 optical zoom
Focal length
F=6.319.2mm (35-mm [135] camera-format equivalent: 38

116mm)
f/-number
f/3.2f/5.3
Construction
5 elements in 5 groups
Digital zoom
Up to 4 (35-mm [135] camera-format equivalent: 464mm)
Autofocus (AF)
Contrast-detect AF
Focus range
(from lens)
Approximately 30cm (1ft.)

Macro close-up mode: Approximately 10cm (3.9in.) (W)
Focus-area
selection
Center
Monitor
Technical Notes
Approximate
frame coverage
2in., 86,000-dot, TFT LCD monitor with brightness adjustment

Shooting mode: 97% horizontal and 97% vertical
Playback: 100% horizontal and 100% vertical
Storage
Media
Internal memory (approx.23MB); SD (Secure Digital) memory

cards
File system
DCF, Exif 2.2, and DPOF compliant
File formats
Compressed: JPEG-baseline-compliant
Movies: QuickTime Sound files: WAV
Exposure
Metering
102
Matrix, center-weighted
Exposure control
Programmed auto exposure with exposure compensation

(2.0+2.0EV in steps of 1/3EV)
Range
W: +2.5+16.0EV T: +4.1+17.5EV
Shutter
Speed
Aperture
Range
Mechanical and charge-coupled electronic shutter

41/1500s
Magnetically controlled
f/3.2 and f/6.4 (W)
ISO sensitivity
Approximately equivalent to ISO 50 (auto gain to ISO 200)
Self-timer
Approximately 10 seconds
Built-in flash
Range (approx.) W: 0.33.0m/1ft.9ft. 10in. T: 0.31.75m/1ft.5ft. 9in.
Sync method
Sensor flash system
I/O terminals
Audio video out/digital IO (USB)
Interface
USB
Video output
Can be selected from NTSC and PAL
Supported
languages
Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, French,

German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Power sources
Two AA alkaline, oxyride, or lithium batteries

Two rechargeable EN-MH1 NiMH batteries
EH-65A AC adapter kit
COOLPIX L2: Approximately 180 shots with alkaline, 600

shots with lithium, or 320 shots with EN-MH1 batteries*
COOLPIX L3: Approximately 200 shots with alkaline, 630
shots with lithium, or 330 shots with EN-MH1 batteries*
Approximate
dimensions
91 60.5 26mm/3.6 2.4 1in. (W H D)
Approximate
weight
120g (4.2oz.) without battery or memory card
Technical Notes
Battery life
Operating environment
Temperature
0+40C (+32104F)
Humidity
Less than 85% (no condensation)
* Based on Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA) standard for measuring
life of camera batteries. Measured at 25C (77F); zoom adjusted with each shot,
flash fired with every other shot, image mode set to NORMAL.
103
Unless otherwise stated, all figures are for a camera with fully-charged EN-MH1 batteries operated at an ambient temperature of 25C (77F).
MH-71 Battery Charger (Option; Supplied with Camera in Some Regions)

Rated input
AC 100240V, 0.110.065A, 50/60Hz
Charging output
DC 1.2V/2000mA
Applicable batteries
Nikon EN-MH1 rechargeable Ni-MH batteries
Discharge time
Approximately 5 hours
Charging time
Approximately 2.5 hours
Operating temperature
535C (+4195F)
Approximate
dimensions
70 79 30mm/2.8 3.1 1.2in. (W H D)
Length of cord
Approximately 1800mm (70.9in.)
Approximate
weight
110g (3.9oz.), excluding power cable
Technical Notes
Specifications
Nikon will not be held liable for any errors this manual may contain. The appearance of
this product and its specifications are subject to change without notice.
EN-MH1 NiMH Batteries
The capacity of NiMH batteries will drop if they are charged repeatedly without first
being fully discharged. The batteries will return to normal once fully discharged. Note
that NiMH batteries gradually lose their charge when not in use; refresh the batteries
immediately before use.
104
Index
Symbols
(auto) mode, 1316

(playback) button, 17,
40, 4347
(movie) mode, 39
(delete) button, 17, 44,
45
(wait) icon, 88
Date, 911, 64, 67

printing, 59, 68
Date imprint, 67
Default settings, 95, 97
Delete, 80
Deleting pictures, 17, 44,
80
in full-frame playback,
17, 44
selected pictures, 80
Design rule for Camera File
System, 96
Digital Print Order Format,
5759, 96
D-lighting, 46
A
A/V cable, 48
A/V-out connect, 48
Accessories, 83
AE-L, 32
Assist Modes, 2428
Auto off, 69
Auto-focus mode, 42
B
Backlit subjects, 18, 31
Batteries, 6, 71
Battery level indicator, 13,
88
Battery Type, 71
Best Shot Selector, 30, 76
Black-and-white, 77
Blur, 16, 69, 88, 92
Blur warning, 69
C
Close-up, 22, 30
Color options, 77, 99
Computer, 4852, 71
copying pictures to, 48
52
Connector cover, 3
Continuous, 75
Copy (playback menu),
82, 100
Cropping pictures, 45
Cyanotype, 77
Format card, 70
Format memory, 70
Framing, 14, 2428
assist, 2428
guides, 2428
H
Help, 62
I
Image mode, 23, 72
Indoor photography, 29
Interface, 4855, 71
Internal memory, 45, 11,
70, 98
capacity, 98
formatting, 70
E-mail, 73
Error messages, 8890
Exif 2.2, 96
Exposure compensation,
75
Extension, 99
JPEG, 102
F
Face-priority AF, 2527
Fill flash, 18
firmware, 71
Firmware version, 71
Flash, 18, 95, 97
lamp, 3, 19
mode, 18, 97
Focus, 4, 15, 42
area, 4, 15
face-priority, 2527
indicator, 15
lock, 16
mode, 42
mode movie, 42
Format, 12, 70
L
Landscape, 27, 30
Language, 9, 70
Language, choosing, 9
Lens, 2, 86
M
Macro close-up, 22
Memory card, 45, 11, 83,
98
approved, 83
capacity of, 98
formatting, 70
Inserting and removing,
11
slot, 12
MENU button, 3, 60
Menus, 60, 64
Mode selector, 3
105
Monitor, 3, 45, 13, 66,

87
brightness, 66
indicators in, 45
Monitor settings, 66
MOVIE menu, 41
Movies, 3942
recording, 39, 41
viewing, 40
Multi selector, 3, 9, 61
N
Night photography, 18,
28, 30
Noise reduction, 16
Number of exposures remaining, 13
P
Panorama, 3133
Paper size, 5657
PictBridge, 5359, 96
PictureProject, 1, 4952
Playback, 17, 4347
full-frame, 43
menu, 60, 7882
movies, 40
on TV, 48
thumbnail, 44
zoom, 45
PLAYBACK MENU, 60,
7882
Portraits, 2527, 28
Power switch, 2, 13
Power-on lamp, 2, 13
Print set, 59, 78
Print size, 56, 98
Protect, 80
Protected pictures, 80,
100
R
Reset all, 71, 9598
106
S
(scene) mode, 2338
Back light ( ), 31
Beach/Snow ( ), 29
Close up ( ), 30
Copy ( ), 31
Dusk/Dawn ( ), 30
Fireworks show ( ), 30
Landscape ( ), 27
Museum ( ), 30
Night landscape ( ),
30
Night portrait ( ), 28
Panorama assist ( ),
31
Party/Indoor ( ), 29
Portrait ( ), 2527
Sports ( ), 28
Sunset ( ), 30
Self timer, 20, 99
Self-timer lamp, 2, 21
Sepia, 77
SET-UP menu, 60, 6371
SHOOTING MENU, 60,
7277
Shutter-release button, 2,
16
Side show, 79
Small pic., 81, 100
Smear, 87
Sound, 39, 68
Sound settings, 68
Strap, Camera, 2
Support information, 1
T
Television, 48
connecting to, 48
Thumbnail playback, 44
Time zone, 911, 64, 100
Transfer, 4951
mark, 50, 71, 80
Transfer marking, 80
pictures for, 71, 80
Tripod, 3
U
USB, 71
cable, 49, 54
connection, 4952, 71
connector, 3
V
Video mode, 48, 71
Vivid Color, 77
Voice memo, 47
Voice recording, 33
copying, 37
playing, 35
Volume, 40
W
Welcome screen, 63
White balance, 7375,
99
preset, 7375
Z
Zoom, 14
button, 3, 14
digital, 14
indicator, 4, 14
optical, 14
playback, 45
107
No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in

part (except for brief quotation in critical articles or
reviews), may be made without written authorization from
NIKON CORPORATION.
Printed in Belgium
YP6B01(11)
6MA14611--

Nikon CoolPix L2 L3

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En

The Nikon Guide to Digital Photography

Symbols and Conventions

For Your Safety

Do not use the camera or AC

Use only the batteries listed of this manual (

Observe the following precaution when handling the

Handle moving parts with

No part of the manuals included with

Notice for Customers in the

ment does cause harmful interference to

Notice for customers in the State of

Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction

Notice for Customers in Canada

Symbol for Separate Collection in European Countries

Items prohibited by law from being

Comply with copyright notices

Disposing of Data Storage

First Steps ........................................................................................................... 6

Basic Photography and Playback....................................................... 13

Viewing Pictures ............................................................................................... 17

Using the Flash ................................................................................................. 18

Viewing Pictures on the Camera ....................................................... 43

Connecting to Televisions, Computers, and Printers ....................... 48

Viewing Pictures on TV ..................................................................................... 48

Shooting Options: The Shooting Menu ............................................................. 72

Playback Options: The Playback Menu............................................................... 78

Technical Notes ................................................................................... 83

Error Messages ................................................................................................. 88

Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

Before Taking Important Pictures

Parts of the Camera

40, 47, 68)

Attaching the Camera Strap

Replacing the connector cover

Memory card slot cover

The Multi Selector

: Display flash mode menu

Shooting mode ............ 13, 23, 39

13 Date imprint/Date counter ....... 67

remaining .......................... 13, 98

1 Current folder .......................... 99

The camera uses two AA batteries. Depending on the country or region of

Charge the batteries (EN-MH1 batteries only)

Plug the charger in

Insert the batteries

Insert the batteries.

Close the battery chamber.

Is the Camera Off?

Insulation does not reach

Flat negative terminal

The Battery Type Menu

Power saving modes and auto power off

Press the multi selector up or

MENU Cancel OK Confirm

Turn the camera on.

The Multi Selector

HOME TIME ZONE

Highlight Yes and press the center of the multi selector.

Press the multi selector right.

* If daylight saving time is in effect, press

Press the multi selector left or

Edit Day (order of Day, Month,

Edit Month and press the multi